Berryman Trail Epic Update

The RD's from the Berryman Trail Epic were kind enough to post the information for the 2010 race on their website.  I was surprised that they already had the information up since the tour/race is not until October.  For those of you who don't know, the Berryman Trail Epic is a 50+ mile Mountain Bike tour on Saturday, and race on Sunday.  There are a couple of new things for 2010, the first of which is a two person team category, and the second is the "back to back" riding both the tour and the race for over a 100 miles of tough single track in just two days.  I know one person is contemplating the back to back, personally I think this year it would be too much for me to handle.
For details on the race please click the link above.
This looks to be a great race.  I know some of you have participated in the past but come on out and do it again, and for the first timers like myself, sure it's 50+ miles but at least you don't have to run it.

Berryman Trail Update

Here we go.  Registration for the first Berryman Cup race will open on January 1st 2010.  The Berryman Trail 50mile/Marathon will take place on Saturday May 15, 2010.  I've heard some buzz about people being interested, but the time is drawing near to register, and I wouldn't advise waiting to the last minute as this race only allows around 150 entrants.  So as they say "think long, think wrong".  The information will be posted on the SLUG website within the next two weeks.  Which is why I can't give any information regarding registration fees, and other minor details of that nature.  I will be running the 50, and invite all of you to come out and run it with me.  I don't plan on running it very fast my only goal is to beat my time from two years ago, roughly 12.5 hours.  It is a good way to spend a day.
I still need to find a good finishers award.  I had something really awesome in mind but as it turns out it would have been very expensive.  Don't worry though it will be cool.
Now lets get this ball rolling!

Berryman Cup

WHO: Team Godzilla members and a few select individuals. I don't expect there to be too many takers of this challenge but I want to make sure it doesn't get out of hand.

WHAT: There are four races that take place on or around the Berryman Trail, and they are:

• The Berryman Marathon/ 50 Mile Trail Run


• The Berryman Trail Epic 50 Mile MTB Race


• The Berryman Adventure Race


• The Berryman 6/12 Hour Off Road Duathlon

These are all very challenging races, and not to be entered into lightly. In order to qualify as a Berryman Cup finisher you will be required to complete three of the four races in the same calendar year.

WHERE: DUH! see the individual race web sites for more detailed info

WHEN: It's still 2009 so the race directors of these events have yet to put out any info regarding 2010 races. However the first event, the Marathon/50 Mile Trail Run takes place in May so you may not want to put off training for too long. I will email the RD's and ask them to send me the info as soon as it becomes available so the interested parties can plan accordingly.

WHY: For the usual reasons, and I'm trying to find a unique finishers award that is interesting as well as inexpensive. The cost for participation should be pretty low, but will ultimately depend on what type of award I can round up. Also their may be something different for people like Robin and Chuck who will do all four races. Maybe not though so nobody get their hopes up. As far as an actual competition goes I haven't been able to figure out a way to make it work in a way that would be fair (to me) so lets just keep it friendly for now.

HOW: RUN,BIKE,REPEAT

This is going to a great time, and I'm sure everyone will be pushed to limit and beyond. If this is not something you would be interested in competing in then feel free to come on down to the trail and support those who are. It's always a real pick me up when I have someone to cheer me on, and besides it's the perfect excuse for a weekend camping trip.

I will post more info as it becomes available.

Welcome To The Burnout!

Yesterday was the Lewis and Clark marathon in St Charles Mo. It was my 13th race of the season. I ran the first part too fast, not because of some rookie error in race strategy, but instead because I just didn't care. I wanted to see if how long I could maintain the pace I was running. The race itself was unimportant. With 8 races left this season I am feeling pretty burned out. Today I feel better than I did yesterday, but I am still in state of general malaise regarding the rest of the season. My friend Jim came out to pace me for the last 6+ miles, and I was glad he did because misery truly does love company. Had I been alone I would have fared even worse.
Yesterday I made a lot of declarations (to Beth, not to the public). About what I was never going to do again, and how I was going to Blah, blah, blah, etc, etc, etc. But then I remembered the best piece of running advice that I ever received "Never make a decision on an uphill". That is where I find myself now on an "uphill". Once the season is over I am really looking forward to taking some time to rejuvenate and get excited about racing again. The good news is that I have something to focus on other than running.
I've already registered for the remaining races of the season so I will run them, but I will be less attached to the results and more focused on having some fun.
Things are looking better already...

Change of plans

Knee trouble + Many races left still this season = No PM run until race season is over.

In other news:
The Wood River Tri went very well. As much as I cried about the swim I found it to be quite enjoyable. Next year I plan on doing a longer Tri so I am still working on the swim. I have much room to improve with all this multisport stuff, but that is good. I am pleased with where I am right now but seeing improvement is always a huge motivating factor.
I always tell Beth that it is time to get serious about my training. Getting serious I believe will ultimately lead to my downfall. So "serious" is out the window. I am going to start training more I just won't be too serious about it. I will do this endurance stuff for as long as it is fun. When it stops being fun I will move on to something else, but with all of the many chalenges these types of activities present I think I will always be able to find the fun.

It is Time...

Well tomorrow is the big day. The Woodriver Triathlon is finally upon us. I am not as ready as I would like to be but that is no ones fault but my own. I thought the swimming would come along faster than it did. Last night's swim class went really well, and I am not dreading the swim tomorrow. I still won't be able to swim the whole 450 meters but it's ok I will do better next time. I plan to continue swimming. Eventually I would like to do an Ironman but that is down the road a bit still.
Wish me Luck!

Pere Marquette Run

The run to Pere Marquette has been moved to August 15th. This will be a much better time to make the attempt. When I had originally decided on August first, I checked my race calendar and that was the first weekend I did not have a race. However upon further review I have about a month off after WoodRiver so it was a real no brainer to make the switch.

Progress Report

Well the 2009 racing season is almost half over, and I'm pleased with how it is going. Competing in multi-sport races has been something I've really enjoyed. Running has been going well this year also, cross training really helps to get faster without killing my legs with a ton of miles. So much has gone on since the St Louis Marathon. I shouldn't wait so long between posts. Any way hear goes some highlights from each of the races I've competed in so far this year.
3/14: St Patrick's Day 5M:
I ran in the Zillapede with the Metro Tri Club. All of us were tethered together with green streamers like a centipede. We didn't run for time we ran for fun giving hundreds of high 5's along the way. We also circled around all of the cops, and cop cars. Several times we veered off the course following Keith Timmins as he led us up stairs, up parking garage ramps, and wherever he felt would be fun and interesting. This was a fun race, and a good way to kick off my racing season.
4/19: Go! St Louis Marathon:
I already commented on this race in a previous post so I won't go into much detail here. It was good to finally have the sub-4 hour monkey off my back. I have to thank Cheri Becker, and everyone at the Y for those great Saturday long runs that made it possible.
5/23: Run for Bonifest 5k:
Not too much to say about this race. I started out too fast and really faded at the end. Beth, and Michael said that it was the worst I had ever looked after a race, and since Beth has been to all of my races she would know. Steve Parks beat me by about a minute or so.
5/25 Highland Biathlon:
This was my first multi-sport race, a 5 mile run and 15 mile bike. I started the run like any other race focused on doing the best I could. Unsure how the bike leg would go my strategy was to run as fast as I could and let everything else work itself out. I did well in the run, but the transition was almost my undoing. Bending over to change my shoes I lost my breath and was unable to breath for what was probably only a few seconds, but seemed much longer. Recovering from my breathing episode I hopped on my bike and headed out of the transition area. The bike leg was tough since I had barely ridden at all at this point. I got through it and finished with a time I was happy with.
This was also the first time I ever had two races in the same weekend. It's a good thing it worked out well since I will be dong it a total of 4 times this year.
6/6 Sweat with the Vets 5k:
A few days prior to this race I injured my foot while running on some slippery pavement. I wasn't sure what effect it would have though. We also had teams from work competing against each other for the prize of leaving work 1 hour early. My team was counting on me for a fast time, so I was bummed that I might not be able to perform up to my ability. As it turned out my foot did not hurt when I ran, only when I walked. From the first few steps of the race I knew it was going to be a good one. For much of the race I was in 3rd place. Being that close to the front feels really good. In the end I finished 5th or 6th overall with a PR of 20:08. I love this race. The course is tough but for some reason I always run it well. Next year I want to finish in the top 3, I would actually like to win but the winner finished in 17 minutes and that is too fast for me. Of our team members I came in first, and we had two othersfinish in the top 15. We won the time off from work, and I was 3rd in my age group. 3 others on our team also took home some hardware.
6/7 Conquer CastleWood:
Megan and I teamed up again to compete in this race which had three legs canoe, mountain bike, and trail running. We were in the second wave so we had an opportunity to plan our strategy for the canoe. It worked great until we got going. We are not what you would call experienced paddlers. Everyone was passing us and we lost a lot of time so when we started the bike leg we were stuck behind many of the slower riders, and it was not easy to pick our way through them since there were limited opportunities to pass on the single track. The run was tough, I would have been better off wearing my road shoes since most of the trail was packed really hard. We finished respectably and learned some valuable lessons for next year.
6/20 Gooma:
This race was a last minute addition to my race calendar, and a race I have been wanting to do for the past 3 years. Robin Rongey sent out an email stating that one of her team members was injured and unable to compete, and she was wanting to know if anyone would be interested in taking his place. I jumped at the chance. The thing that put me off doing this race was always the navigation component, but I knew she and Chuck knew what they were doing so all I would have to do I race. The temperature was very high and everyone was suffering. We rode, ran, carried sand bags and buckets of water, and we paddled canoes around Silver lake. It was 7 hours well spent. Chuck was forced to drop out of the race because of the heat, Robin and I continued on and ended up passing 3 or 4 teams at the finish. I might put together a team for next year.
7/4 Hillsboro Biathlon:
4th of July, no fireworks but there was plenty of rain and wind. This race was fun until the turn around on the bike then it was work, work, work. Kelli Christakos and I battled up until the very end where she beat me by one second. I finished 3rd in my age group but as of the time of this posting the awards have not been mailed out.
7/11 Tour de Donut:
I ate 11 donuts and finished with an adjusted time of 1:30:26. I was interviewed for a newspaper article that can be found here. I have new strategy for next year that will involve the same amount of donuts, and a much faster actual time.
7/18 Summer Sizzler 10k:
This race took place at the Y and I pretty much knew everyone that was volunteering so I had a big cheering section. I have weird feelings about this race because I PR'ed by 2 minutes but my stomach was acting up and I was struggling. I know I could have run this race much faster had I not been in such intestinal distress. It was actually surprising that I ran it as fast as I did. I still finished 3rd in my age group though.

The rest of the year promises to be just as exciting as the 1st half. I have completed 6 of the required races to earn Godzilla of the Year honors, and I have the rest on my schedule. I also have some more familiar races on the schedule like the Lewis an Clark Marathon, and the Wild in the Woods series. There a couple of maybes in the works also like the Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis, and a mystery race that will not be revealed until I know for sure whether I am doing it or not.
Next year I am going to race less, have more fun training, and have more adventures.
I'll try to be better about posting more often so it is not so much to read.
Namaste-

Pere Marquette Run 2009

I've finally set a date for the run to Pere Marquette. It will take place on Saturday, August 1st. Choosing a date was fairly easy. I just looked at my race Schedule and found a weekend that was open. This is worrisome because I haven't left myself much time to train. It should be alright though. Now that I have a date I can start working on logistics, and whether or not I want to invite people to run along with me. Between the training and the planning there will be quite a bit of work to do.
My main concern regarding this run is the heat. Running 40+ miles in August might not be the wisest decision I have ever made but if I don't make the attempt then I won't have another chance until next year. I will however more than likely change this to a early spring run for 2010.

It Has Begun...

I ran the St Louis marathon a little over a week ago, and finished in 3:56:43. My goal was a sub 4, and I achieved it even with a hurt back, and rainy weather. I hope I have enough in me for another phenomenal season. I'm excited to find out. Next up is Run for Boniface 5k. I'm always chasing a Sub 20min in a 5k. The speed won't be there but by the time Sweat with the Vets rolls around in June it should be in the bag. I'm changing up some races so don't look for me at all of the races to the right. I'll update the list when I figure it out.
Wood River Tri is looming on the horizon, and guess what? I can't swim! I won't drown if I fall out of a boat but I'm not sure if I'll be able to swim 450 meters.

Does that sound like doubt? Yes, yes it does sound like doubt. Why are you doubting yourself?

Because I've never swam that far before. Not even close.

Really? I mean seriously! You have never doubted yourself before, ever. Why are you letting a measly 450 meters get to you. Did you doubt yourself at the start of the Berryman 50?

No

Then suck it up and make it happen! There is only one thing to do, and you know what it is. So no more doubt, no more self pity, no more wining. Get it done.

Ok

(this inner dialogue has been brought to you by the committee for a more complete understanding of what goes on inside the head of yours truly)

It's coming back around again

I'm running the St. Louis Marathon again this year and I am looking forward to it. I am confident that I will be able to break the four hour barrier.
In other news I am planning more Pere Marquette adventures this year. I have plotted the route that I will bike a few times, and eventually run. I don't have any dates yet but I should probably figure it out soon.
I also found out that the place in Grafton where we rent kayaks has a group discount. I hope we can get a good sized group together to take advantage of it.

I am an idiot!!!

OK so I was planning on registering for the Berryman 50 miler tomorrow, and guess what. I checked the website this morning only to find out that it is full. I don't know what I'm going to do now. My race schedule sort of hinged around that race so I feel let down but I also see the possibilities in being able to do some things that I wouldn't otherwise be able to do. I might do the 5 star century series. I will also have time to plan and complete the Pere Marquette Adventure that I have been wanting to put together. Anyway stay tuned to see what happens next......

Here's the deal...

So I've decided not to do the 100 mile race in April. My back went out again and I have missed too much training to feel comfortable going into a race that big. I was already behind on my training, and was relying on sheer force of will to get me through. I'm still going to run the 50 though so all is not lost, and barring any injuries I plan to run the Berryman 50 again this year. Not running the 100 is a big let down it is something I really wanted to do. I feel like I am going back on my word. I said I was going to do something and now I am not. Forces beyond my control have caused me to make this decision but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
In other news:
I signed up for a triathlon. The bike and the run will be no problem for me but the swim is going to be a real challenge. I plan to take swimming lessons at the Y to help learn efficient technique. I'm also in the Metro Tri Club's Fit To Be Tri'd program for first time triathletes my mentor whom I have yet to work with is a good swimmer, and from what I am told an all around great guy.
Last night was the Club's annual banquet. the food was not that great but as a vegetarian I've come to expect it from this sort of function. The presentation was great. The video of all races of the past year was fun to watch. I was even in the video eventhough I wasn't a member at the time. The club gives special recognition to what they call "Godzilla's of the Year". These are members who complete certain races and fulfill other requirements throughout the year. I have been thinking about going for it. However 4 of the events must be multisport. I was already planning on doing 2 so now I need to find 2 more. I am hesitant to do another tri with my swim being so questionable. The good news is that adventure racing counts as multisport, as well as biathlons (bike and run, no swim). I have until August to work on the swim so I'm thinking I should be alright by then, maybe I will do another tri...
This year in racing is going to be an interesting one that is for sure. I've had offers to be on several relay teams.

I'm "Back"

My back has been hurting lately so I haven't been able to run much.  I need to get my mileage up, and soon.  The good news is that my insurance covers Chiropractic care.  I've never been to the Chiropractor but I am willing to give it a try.  My insurance also covers ultrasound which Megan used on my achilles tendon so effectively.  Now I need to find a good Chiropractor.

Today I am going to run at least 6 miles.  If I feel good enough I will run farther.

A Glance Back At 2008, And A Peak At 2009

(above) The last training run of 2008. 9mile E'ville loop

2009 is finally here!! I had planned on doing a "2008 Year in Review" post but it came out a bit long so I figured I would just sum up the highs and lows of 2008 quickly and move on.

Highs
Sweat with the Vets 5k: A new PR 21:25

Berryman Trail 50 Miler: 12:23:31 Did I just run 50 miles?

Wild in the Woods trail series: Way faster than last year. 2nd place in my age group. Hey where's my hardware? Oh I see, only 1st place gets the take home award. I guess I'll run faster next year.

Lewis and Clark Marathon?: So that's what its like trying to run a marathon in the path of a hurricane. Runners are crazy.

Lows
Go! St Louis Marathon: Under trained, under prepared, over weight. This race was demoralizing like a good marathon should be, but that doesn't mean I had to like it.

Lewis and Clark Marathon?: After St Louis I was ready to finish Sub-4 hour, and I was on pace to do so, but Ike had other plans for me.

Well those are the Highs and Lows of 2008 at least as far as running goes. It was really great year and I am looking forward to running several races in 2009. Here is a tentative list of the races I have on the calendar for the coming year.

McNaughton Park 100 Miler: Why the hell not?

Berryman Trail 50 Miler: I really enjoyed this race last year. Hopefully I'll improve my time.

Conquer CastleWood: Two person teams, canoeing, biking and running. Sounds like fun.

Wood River Tri: I've got the bike and the run down. What was that other event? Hmm... Looks like I've got some work to do.

Lewis and Clark Marathon: Hopefully this year the weather will cooperate. This could possibly be my last marathon.

Wild in the Woods trail series: I love this series. Trail are where it's at in 2009.

This list is by no means complete or final. I want to leave some room for changes and additions just in case an interesting races pops up. I will not be running the St Louis Marathon this year because it falls the week after McNaughton, however the Albert family will still be represented by my daughter Nicole. This will be her first marathon and currently it will be her first race ever. So much for getting your feet wet. She'll be able to do it, but I don't think she fully appreciates how hard it is going to be.