co-RD's: Vince, Shep, Scooty

Our tenure as Race Directors has come to a close,
So I thought I’d pay tribute with some poetic prose.
For nearly a decade we have organized the Iroquoia Trail Test,
With these duties behind us, it’s time for a well-deserved rest.

If you’ve ever staged a run, you can appreciate the work required
To get every runner across the finish line satisfied albeit tired.
Preparations begin several months before the event takes place,
With registration forms, website updates and advertising for the race.

One must obtain trail permits and insurance, purchase awards and gifts,
These are but a handful of the items found on a race director’s checklist.
We pride ourselves on all the personal touches that go into this run,
Hand-painted finisher’s rocks and a free kid’s race only add to the fun.

After loading up the truck with pylons, tables, water jugs and cups,
We head to Kilbride School the night before the race to start setting up.
The course must be marked and a finisher’s chute put together,
We’ll only get a couple of hours sleep as we hope for good weather.

An army of volunteers is the key to the success of any competition,
To the members of the Burlington Runners Club we owe much recognition.
Every third weekend of August we could count on this fine mass
For runner’s safety, hydration and to ensure the trail test is passed.

The race is a 32 kilometer trek along the rugged Bruce,
An escarpment trail lined with maples, pine and spruce.
This event was a labor of love for Shep, Scoot and me,
If we went back in time, we wouldn’t do it differently.

As we reflect back on our own race directing experiment,
We now fully appreciate RD’s and their everlasting commitment.
Without these organizers there simply would be no races,
They allow us to carry out our passion and put smiles on our faces.

With the gear back in storage and the truck returned to Discount Car rental
Our era as directors of the ITT is over, the Effort has been Monumental.

Please, leave a comment.

Gotta run,

Vince

Busy on race day

Another successful Kids Quiz

15 years ago, in a drunken fog I made a bet that I’d run a marathon before my 40th birthday.

In September of 2010, I turn 40.  I hadn’t forgotten my bet.  I’d began running a little in 2009 and managed to complete a 25K trail race and several shorter distances.  But the marathon eluded me.  I signed up for an early 2010 marathon in hopes of getting it over with with time to spare, but the winter training didn’t go well and I didn’t run the race.  With the clock ticking, I had to find a local marathon before September 2010, and fast.  That’s when I found the Endurrun, a remarkable 7-stage race in Waterloo, Ontario that offers single stage entry.  Lucky for me, Stage 7 is a marathon.  For added incentive, I concluded that if I could convince others to enter on a team with me, I’d have to finish Stage 7 or risk DNF’ing the whole team.

Enter Team Monumental Effort.  My partner in crime on this blog, Vince is an ultrarunner so I figured he was a no-brainer for inclusion on the team.  Not only did Vince agree to be on the team, but he decided to run 3 stages.  He ran Stage 3 (a 30K trail run) and Stage 4 (10 mile hill run) as a team member, and Stage 7 as a single stage entrant in order to pace me.

Vince after the marathon. Looks like he could run another.

Vince managed to convince two buddies, Martin Vallaincourt to run Stage 1 (half marathon) and Geoff Sheppard to run Stage 5 (25.6K alpine run).

Martin finished Stage 1

Shep about to start Stage 5.

I managed to talk my friend, Jonathan Finn into running two stages as well, Stage 2 (15K time trial) and Stage 5 (10K time trial).

Jonathan running strong in Stage 6.

Each team member ran like champs!  For every one’s results, see the Endurrun Results.

Which brings us to Stage 7, my first marathon:

The day did not begin favourably.  By 7:30am the temperature was about 30 celsius and very, very humid.  But I was a single stage runner, and the majority of the other competitors had already run 6 stages so how could I possibly complain.  As everyone gathered at the start line a fine mist descended from the clouds.  I hoped desperately that a light rain would fall throughout the race.  Following the ceremonial singing of the Canadian National Anthem the clock started and we were off.  Vince and I kept a slow, even pace as we chatted throughout the first 21.5K loop.  He had written down split times on the back of his race number and attempted to coach me through each one.  The splits would have us finishing in 4:30, my targetted time.  We completed loop 1 in about 2:10 and I dutifully ate Hammer Gels and gulped Gatorade and water as much as possible.

About 5K into the Marathon and still smiling.

Loop 2 began positively.  I felt pretty good and was happy with our loop 1 split.  But as we approached the 25KM markers I was really starting to feel the heat and my legs were beginning to ache.  Teammate Jonathan had warned me that during the second half I’d want to quit, that my brain would scream at me to stop but that I just had to push through it, that things would get better.  I hoped he was right.  I’m certain Vince could sense that I was sufferring a little as he mercifully suggested we walk a little, in particular up the hills.

The pain!

From kilometre 30 until 35 or so I was in agony.  Many of the runners behind us began to pass us and I was walking more and more.  Vince urged me to try running to landmarks in the visible distance so I did my best to comply.  I was beginning to feel nauseous as well and thought for sure I was going to be sick.  Oddly, in my head, I didn’t think I was trying hard enough but just couldn’t muster the strength to push much harder.  Then, around kilometre 37 I began to feel a little better.  My legs hurt less for some reason and I could run again.

As Vince pulled me along I began to realize that I might just finish this thing.  We ran past the neighbourhood where I live and I knew the finish was a mere 3KM away.  I wanted to sprint, I really did, but my body wouldn’t let me.  Vince urged me to push for a sub-five hour time but in my head, I just wanted to walk into the finish.  But I couldn’t do that, as I knew my wife, Trish and kids, Charlie and Lily had been waiting there for hours for me to arrive.  With 500m to go I could see Trish,Charlie and Lily running out to meet me on the road.  They cheered me on and gave me high fives.  It was all I could do not to cry.

Charlie and Lily running beside me near the finish.

Final time: 5:01:45.  Not quite what I’d hoped for, but I’ll take it.

Trish giving me a high 5 near the finish.

During the run I told myself I’d never run this far again.  But it’s been 4 days now and I’m already itching to run again.  I told myself that I’d give myself a week off, but come Monday, I’ll be out there again.  Looking back, I don’t think I tried hard enough.  I didn’t train as hard as I could have.  I didn’t push as hard as I could have.  I want to run farther, and faster!

Oh shit!

Leave us a comment, please.

“There are strange things done in the midnight sun
By the men who moil for gold
The Arctic trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold.”

The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service

Seeing as my wife was travelling to India to visit her daughter, I decided to find a unique race in an exciting locale to run while she was away.  In a recent issue of Canadian Running magazine, Derrick Spafford wrote a piece on Canada’s Top 10 Must-Do Trail Races.  One race in particular that caught my eye was the Yukon River Trail Marathon.  In the article Spafford states:  “While you certainly won’t run your fastest marathon time on this course thanks to the elevation change and technical trail surface, you will be treated to the sheer beauty and joy of trail running in Whitehorse.”

Another article that I came across in my research was Erin Sheard’s “The True North Strong and Free and Fast: The Great Canadian Marathon Guide in iRun Magazine.  Here the author lists the YRTM as the “Best off-roading” marathon and writes: “(the race) is run on tricky terrain with drop-offs, quick turns, and narrow trails. The route is devilishly designed so that each upcoming leg is harder than the previous. In the final leg awaits Heart Break and Pee Wee hill. Extreme caution is advised—the glorious scenery is tempting, but keep your eyes on the trail”.

It appeared I had found my next running destination!

Flights were booked, hotel reservations made and I eagerly awaited my trip north of 60.  This adventure began with a short stopover to visit some friends in Vancouver.  I met Dom for an hour run along the seawall on Thursday afternoon.  Later we joined Wade and one of their friends for some sailing in English Bay.  Any sane runner would have called it a night in order to rest for the upcoming race and try to beat the jet lag.  However, our night out on the town continued as we met Jackie (my other fellow Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim adventurer), Gary Robbins (fresh off his top-10 performance at Western States and gearing up for his speed record attempt of the WCT) and others at a lounge where DJ Ecos (aka Dom) was spinning.  Long story short, the 7AM wake up came pretty darn fast.

The start of the race was conveniently about 500 meters from my hotel.  Some fifty runners gathered at Shipyards Park for the marathon start at 8:30AM.   More than thirty marathon relay teams of four runners departed at 9:15AM and nearly 150 other competitors were slated to run the half-marathon which started at 10:00AM.  Weather in Whitehorse was uncharacteristically warm as the start signal was given following some last-minute instructions by the Race Director.  “If you encounter a bear, be cautious” he warned!  I’m still not sure what “be cautious” means!

Russell, Amie and Vince pre-race

Runners trotted through town on the River Trail (a paved path) for a couple of kilometers towards the more rugged Millennium Trail.  In one nearby wooded area it was evident that a colony of beavers lived in the vicinity.  You can see that the rodents had been busy chewing down trees near the Robert Service campground.  After passing the Whitehorse Rapids Plant and several moored float-planes, runners crossed The Miles Canyon suspension bridge and headed up towards the top of the escarpment. 

Although I was running alone, the scenery at the summit of the first major climb forced a loud “WOW!” out of me.  The view of the Yukon River down below was stunning.  The water of the “great river” appeared so clear and refreshing as it snaked its way off into the distance.

The next section ran through what is called Canyon City, rolling trails along the river.  The race website suggests: “EXTREME CAUTION should be used as there are some steep drop offs to the river. Keep your eyes on the terrain, not the scenery.” After a long and steep downhill, runners arrive at Chadburn Lake aid-station and roughly the mid-way mark of the race.

As mentioned in iRun Magazine, the next two segments of the race would turn out to be more difficult than the previous two.  Leg three is characterized by technical trails which undulate through wooded areas and around small lakes.  At the top of one of the biggest hills on the course, a makeshift aid-station was there to offer runners some fluids.  The two volunteers at this spot must carry the water to this point on mountain bikes.  Certainly a Monumental Effort in itself!

The heat and constant up and downs began to wear me out at this point and I found myself taking much longer walking breaks than anticipated.  However, I knew I wasn’t in the Yukon to set personal records so I resolved to maintain forward progress and enjoy the tranquility and hopefully no bear encounters.  Finally I reached the last aid-station which happens to also be the first one on the course at the Miles Canyon Bridge. 

This time runners head north rather than retrace their steps from the first leg.  The trail skirts Schwatka Lakes and features Pee Wee Hill.  When I arrived at this hill I was a bit discouraged as the climb was steep, sandy and seemed endless.  A couple of spectators at the foot of the hill offered some encouragement as I slowly plodded uphill.  What goes up must come down.  After finally reaching the top, the trail follows a series of steep switchbacks down to the final aid-station back at the Rapids Dam.  With roughly five kilometers to go, I resolved to run as much of this section as possible. 

A large eagle’s nest atop a tree along the path towards town had attracted several tourists who eagerly took pictures of two huge Bald Eagles resting there.  A few hundred yards further down the route SS Klondike permanently rests.  This is a tribute to the era of riverboat transportation which serviced Whitehorse before roads had been constructed to the capital. 

With less than two kilometers to go, it was unclear which way the course went.  I suppose to the local runners this junction is a no-brainer, but myself and a half-marathoner were stopped and debating which way to go.  “I would hate to go off course in the last 2K” said the runner from Abbotsford.  Luckily someone who had been watching the runners come in saw us standing there looking confused and pointed us in the right direction.

I crossed the finish line in a lackluster time of 4:34:07, but as Spafford warned, personal bests are not likely on this course.  The post-race meal of (my favorite) meat-lovers pizza was a welcome treat.  A lot of runners, including me, also took a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the Yukon River.  Residents of Whitehorse claim that the water temperature usually hovers at around 4 degrees Celsius, but with the recent heat wave in the Yukon, the water temperature was certainly a bit higher than that.

Later that evening I joined fellow Burlington Runners Club members Amie and Russell for a dinner of fresh Arctic salmon.  The next day we spent some time relaxing our aching muscles at the Tahkini Hot Springs and visiting the Yukon Energy Fish Ladder and Hatchery before I hitched a ride to the airport for my return flight to Vancouver before heading home on Tuesday.

Every year I try to plan one or two running vacations to a new region.  Often these destinations are trips south of the border as there are so many races in the U.S. to choose from and many are within a day’s drive from my home.  However, our great country also has some incredible places worth exploring and Whitehorse in the Yukon is certainly a unique and worthwhile place to visit.  The Yukon River Trail Marathon is also a must-do for trail running enthusiasts.  It’s an intimate and friendly race on rugged trails with splendid scenery in a remote and historic Canadian region.  What more can you possibly ask for?  I’ll have to review Derrick’s list for next year’s destination!

Gotta run,

Vince

Please feel free to comment here.

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 “Aw-right, y’all.  Let’s make the official start line the back of my here pickup truck.” – Denis R. Hamrick Jr. – Race Director

I wasn’t initially planning on writing a report of this event, but the RD’s pre-race instructions were simply too classic and needed to be shared with others as a reminder of what ultra running should be about.

At 6:30 AM on Saturday morning, ninety-nine runners gathered at Kanawha State Forest near Charleston, West Virginia for the Rattlesnake Trail 50K race.  Although in its 16^th year, this event has remained a very low-key race.  The website simply states the race information without any pictures or even a background and registration is still done by mail-in only.

The race consists of one loop and features 10 major climbs totaling over 5000 feet of uphill.  When I checked past results, I figured that I needed to complete this challenging course in less than seven hours if I wished to maintain my middle-of-the-pack status.  This may not sound like a very fast pace, but hey, I’m not fast, my short legs aren’t strong climbers and I don’t do well in the heat.  What are my preferred running conditions you might ask?  I’m really speedy and awesome in races that occur during my sleep!

Most of the Rattlesnake Trail 50K is run on forest trails with a slight sprinkling of dirt roads and very little asphalt.  The early miles were reminiscent of the Appalachian Trail portion of the JFK 50-miler, only with longer climbs.  The double-track trails during the middle miles reminded me of the “Green Loop” of the Mohican 100, but with longer climbs.  And the rocky and root-covered late section was akin to the Iroquoia Trail Test (the race I co-RD) with, you guessed it, longer climbs.

The many up-hills really forced me to maintain a slower pace, especially near the start when I usually have a tendency to go out too fast. The mantra I kept repeating to myself was: “Take it easy, enjoy the day.”  And that’s what I did.  I chit-chatted with some new friends from Tennessee and Mississippi, I ran within myself and walked when I needed to walk.  I ate regularly, took lots of fluids and reached the midway point in 3:25.  I was on pace for my seven-hour goal.

I have a tendency to really fade in the second half of an ultra, but I felt comfortable and maintained my pace.  “Take it easy, enjoy the day.”   After the final aid-station and on the last major climb of the day, I past a runner who was sitting, legs outstretched, on the trail.  At first I thought he was injured, but he informed me that he was suffering from cramps in his thighs and calves.  He was extremely grateful when I offered him some of my electrolyte tablets and a few moments later I heard him yell from behind me down the trail: “IT WORKED, THANKS!” 

I crossed the finish line in 6:55:10; good enough for 39^th place out of 99 runners, but more importantly, no puking!  I felt good throughout the race and felt I could have kept running after the finish.  I took it easy and enjoyed the day.

In closing, I strongly encourage you to seek out and support these low-key races.  Sure I have run big-city marathons on occasion and I often enter the largest ultras that require you to either sign up months in advance or be selected in a lottery.  But each year I try to find a small race in a location I would not otherwise visit.  This has allowed me to meet wonderful people and discover interesting places such as Hot Springs, South Dakota and Virgil, New York and now Charleston, West Virginia.  A special “Thanks” to Denis and his wonderful team of volunteers on a great event!

If you have stumbled upon this blog thanks to the business cards that you have received today at the Rattlesnake Trail 50K, please share your thoughts of this wonderful race by posting a comment below.

Up next:  The Yukon River Trail Marathon in Whitehorse on August 2^nd, 2010.

Gotta run,

Vince

“I bet many of you feel sorry for me.  Well, don’t.  Having an artificial leg has its advantages.  I’ve broken my right knee many times and it doesn’t hurt a bit.” – Terry Fox

Over the past couple of weeks we were focused on Charlotte Vasarhelyi’s successful attempt at breaking the Bruce Trail end-to-end solo speed record.  However in late June, we also kept a close eye on the developments at the prestigious Western States Endurance Run in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of sunny California.  As usual, the WS 100 featured an extremely elite field. The top two runners, Geoff Roes (15:07:04) and Anton Krupicka (15:13:52) both broke Scott Jurek’s course record, and we were treated to many, many other Monumental Efforts.

Tracy cruising at WS 100

Any runner who even toes the line at this event has sacrificed much to dedicate hours to qualify, then train for the grueling run.  Of course, a bit of luck is also needed as only a small percentage of the entries get selected via the lottery.

Tracy Garneau became the first Canadian to ever win The Western States race, finishing in a very impressive time of 19 hours, 1 minute, 55 seconds.  In fact, I believe Tracy is the only non-U.S. runner, male or female, to earn the top spot on the podium at Placer High in Auburn, CA.  With wins at H.U.R.T. 100 and American River 50-miler earlier this year, Garneau has now proven to be one of North America’s best ultra-runners.  In the coming months Tracy will compete in the Canadian Death Race in Grand Cache, Alberta and The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France.   We will follow these events with great interest.

Other notable Canadian performances include top-10 finishes by Gary Robbins (6^th in 17:06:20) and Glen Redpath (7^th in 17:10:06).  Congrats to all runners!

Another amazing athlete that caught our attention was Amy Palmiero-Winters.  Amy became the first amputee to successfully complete this particular 100-mile trail run.  Amy crossed the finish line in a time of 27:43:10. 

Amy mangled her left ankle in a gnarly motorcycle accident in 1994.  Nearly thirty leg operations later, the leg was amputated.  Since 1997, Amy has been proving many naysayers wrong by completing (and often winning) many events, from 5km road races to Ironman competitions, and even trail 100-milers.  The Western States finish is most impressive because of the amount of downhill running this course offers along rugged and uneven trails.  Next week, Amy will compete in the Badwater 135-mile run in Death Valley. 

More about Amy’s amazing accomplishments is available at her site: http://www.seeamyrun.com/

You can track Amy and other Badwater runners, including Jerseyville 100 champ Iris Cooper, on the live webcast at:

http://www.badwater.com/2010web/index.php.

With summer full swing and so many events on the horizon, please feel free to share your inspiring Monumental Effort stories of determination and inspiration with us.

Gotta run,

Vince

P.S. After a four week hiatus due to a slight tear in her Meniscus, Monica Scholz is ready to resume her 3000-mile quest at Vermont on July 17^th…stay tuned!

“What do you mean you’re not gonna race?  It’s a race!”

– Scott Jurek

New U.S. 24-hour record

M.E. UPDATE:  Scott Jurek was successful in his attempt to set a new U.S. 24-hour record in Brive-La-Gaillarde, France early this morning.  Scott ran an incredible 266.677 Km (165.28 Miles) and finished second at the IAU World Championships.  Congratulations Scott!

In the world of ultra running, Scott Jurek is a rock star!  As I chatted with him at the 2008 Miwok 100K several runners approached Scott for autographs and photo ops.  Arguably North America’s most successful ultra runner, much has been written lately about Scott Jurek.  Scott was one of the central characters in Christopher McDougall’s best-seller Born to Run.  He is also featured in a recent issue of Runner’s World magazine and another article about him appeared today in the New York Times.

Running with the Tarahumara

An abbreviated list of Scott’s accomplishments includes:

• Seven-time winner and course record holder of the Western States Endurance Run;
• Two-time winner and former course record holder of the Badwater 135-mile run;
• Three-time champion of the grueling 250Km Spartathlon.  Only the legendary Yannis Kourros has been faster on this course;
• Winner and former course record holder of the Hardrock 100;
• One of only three athletes to have won a 100-mile event in ten consecutive years.  Karl Meltzer and Ann Trason are the others.

The tone of the Runner’s World article was a bit depressing as it focused on Scott’s personal struggles and lackluster racing performances from 2009.  The New York Times article however is more encouraging as it suggests that Scott is revitalized and ready to reclaim his spot atop the ultra running scene.  The article also points out that the vegan athlete feels like he is fit enough to challenge the U.S. 24-hour record of 162.4 miles currently held by Ohio’s Mark Godale.

Scott's wheatgrass crop

Today, Scott will be participating in the 24-hour World Challenge in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France.   Monumental Effort will be following with interest the live results of this race.  These championships are usually stacked with talent and Jurek has yet to perform particularly well (by his standards) in races of this format (one mile loop repeated over and over again), therefore a victory or U.S. record are far from being in the bag.  Nonetheless, we will certainly be rooting for Scott Jurek to do well.

Scott beating the heat at Badwater

M.E. will also be tracking the Canadian contingent at the World’s.  The Canadian male runners include:

And the Canadian women’s team features:

This course is flat and fast, so perhaps some new Canadian age-group records are within reach.

Follow M.E. on Twitter for reports and results!

Gotta run,

Vince

Postscript: The night before the 2004 Vermont 100-miler, the race director approached Clark Zealand and asked if he was interested in running as there were several no-shows.  When Clark agreed to run but announced that he wouldn’t “race”, Scott replied what is quoted at the top of this post.  Clark went on to finish second in an astonishing time of 15:03:19.

“You’re back?  You are an addict!” – ultra runner Kinga Miklos

What on Earth was I thinking?  During our R2R2R adventure two weeks ago, I swore that I would not attempt the Jerseyville 100-miler.  As some time passed, I started thinking perhaps I could finish at least 50-miles.  Then, a couple of days before the event, something possessed me into believing that I could actually run the entire 100 mile distance.  Who do I think I am?  If it hadn’t been for Wade and Jackie, I would probably still be curled up in a ball somewhere at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, yet I was considering running one hundred miles this weekend?  Man, oh man I’m a Monumental Idiot!

The Jerseyville 100 is a “Fat Ass” event.  These runs usually have no entry fee, no prizes and no aid.  However, since this run was hosted by Monica Scholz and Phil McColl, the ever-helpful Dieter Scholz had his tent set up and all entrants contributed some vittles to stock the legendary “Scholzy’s Deli” along with a second aid-station (Hawaiian themed, complete with grass skirts, leis and hula hoops ) at the 5Km turnaround which was captained by Ontario Ultra Series faithful Sharon Zelinski.

Nineteen hardy souls had signed up for the event and promptly at 6AM on Saturday morning, the official starter (Monica) shouted “GO” and we were off.  We had a 2Km spur at the start then the course would follow the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail 5Km out, and 5Km back…repeated sixteen times for the 100-milers.  The Rail Trail is an abandoned roadbed of the old Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway (TH&B) which has since been converted into a hiking/biking trail between Hamilton and Brantford.  Our 5Km section was in the small town of Jerseyville, Ontario.  The cambered, stone-dust covered path between Field Road and Hwy 52 had runners pass by a buffalo ranch, a few cattle farms, a golf course and some marshy ponds.

Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail

Throughout the winter, Monica hosts “fun runs” on the Sulphur Springs course in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area and it was nice to see many of the regulars from these runs in attendance at the Jerseyville 100.  The pack stayed relatively close together on the first out-and-back which allowed runners to get re-acquainted.  As the day progressed, my plan evolved from running 100-miles to running (and I use this term quite loosely) one of my slowest 50Km times ever.  My calves were screaming at me, evidently not fully recovered from the R2R2R.  The beauty of a no-fee Fat Ass event is the reduced guilt factor if the runner chooses to drop out early.  So after 52K, I decided to throw caution to the wind and call it a day.

At this stage of the race, Steph Rahilly of Whitby, was leading and looked very comfortable.  Steph ran her first 100-miler in September 2009 in Haliburton in an impressive time of 24:50:40.  A lucky winner of the WS lottery, Steph will be heading to Western States in June.   Monica was her usual smiling self while encouraging all runners.  Having already completed seven of her projected thirty 100-milers this year, Monica began a stretch of four consecutive weekends of racing this incredible distance.  She will have a weekend off in mid-May, and then will have five consecutive races at the start of the summer.  I’m looking forward to crewing Monica at the Mohican 100 in June.  Moreover, The Jerseyville 100 marks Monica’s one hundredth 100-miler of her running career.  To my knowledge, only Germany’s Hans-Dieter Weissharr has run more.

Another compelling story that was developing on this day was that of the Swiss-Miss Gone Bad. Iris Cooper, who is looking for redemption at Badwater this summer, appeared extremely focused and ran effortlessly.  With less than 2 miles to go at last year’s 135-mile Badwater event, Iris was forced to turn back as forest fires threatened the area near the finish line.  Iris was eventually permitted to return to the course, but missed getting the coveted sub-48 hour buckle because of the 13-hour delay.  She looked extremely fit on this day.

The Swiss Miss Iris Cooper

As the runners continued to shuffle along the Rail Trail, my afternoon saw me attend a garden show, spend some time with my grand-children, order a pizza and have a short afternoon nap.  However, my shame for dropping out of the run was overwhelming me, so seven hours after I had stepped off the trail I found myself back at the start line in Jerseyville ready to do more running.

Dieter briefed me on the developments of the day, I checked the batteries in my flashlight and I resumed the run I had started at sunrise.  Less than one kilometer down the path I crossed Iris.  She looked as though she had just started running mere minutes ago.  Her pace was torrid, her stride relaxed and spirits high.  She apparently did not spend much time at Scholzy’s Deli because it wasn’t long before she passed me.  I had had a seven hour break and Iris had already completed more than 122Km, yet she cruised past me and disappeared into the darkness.

Scholzy's Deli

The other runners I crossed were generally surprised to see me back on the trail.  I guess they grew tired of seeing the same faces over and over again!  When I caught Steph, who was now in second place behind Iris, she informed me that she was pulling out at the end of her current lap.  I’m sure she will be recovered and ready to contend for the woman’s title at the Sulphur Springs 100 at the end of May.  Although the temperature had dropped, the atmosphere at the turnaround aid station was still warm and filled with the spirit of aloha.   Sharon and John greeted runners from under the glow of the disco ball hanging inside the aid-station tent.

Stephan and Kinga Miklos were still running and were determined to finish.  Fresh off a 100-mile finish two weeks prior, Phil was moving a bit slower then he would have liked but he had settled into a comfortable run-walk routine.  Steve and Adi also announced that their race was over.  They had covered just over 100Km.  On my restart I ran an additional 20Km before shutting it down…again.   Does that qualify as two DNF’s in one race?  At any rate, the fact that I forced myself back out there redeemed some of the guilt that was eating me up.

The five remaining runners on the course would all complete the 100 mile distance.  Iris crossed the tape minutes before her birthday in a time of just under 18-hours.  This time is a pending Canadian woman 50-55 age-group record and one of the fastest 100-miles times ever posted by a Canadian woman.  This Monumental Effort should indicate that the Swiss Miss is ready to take care of unfinished business at Badwater!  Monica was the next finisher some 40 minutes later, followed by the Miklos couple and then Phil.  Official results will be available soon.

Congratulations to all runners and thanks to everyone who made the Jerseyville 100 event possible.  I look forward to seeing you on the Sulphur Springs trails at the end of May.

Gotta run,

Vince

“So if you’re dreaming about California,  It don’t matter at all where you played before, California’s a brand new game”

– All the Gold in California by Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers

There as so many interesting locales for a running vacation around the World.  Several books on this subject have been published, including Kimi Puntillo’s Great Races, Incredible Places – 100+ Fantastic Runs Around the World which has been reviewed here on Monumental Effort.  But arguably, the Mecca for running destinations in North America is the beautiful state of California.  Whenever I do research to determine my racing schedule, each year I seem to be drawn to races in The Golden State.  Of course there is the granddaddy of ultra races, The Western States Endurance Run, which appears on most ultra runners “Must do” lists.

Two-time WS 100 Champ, Hal Koerner crossing the American River

Unfortunately, I have yet to be selected in the WS100 sweepstake but I will attempt to run a qualifier and continue applying to the lottery for as long as it takes.  I have been fortunate however to visit California on more than one occasion and I have even had to pleasure of running there.

Each year the biggest and most competitive ultra races are held in California.  The aforementioned WS100, along with Miwok 100K, the American River 50-miler, Way Too Cool 50K and San Diego’s 24-hour are usually amid the most attended races in their respective distances and perhaps draw the most competitive fields.  According to Ultra Running magazine’s annual “Big List”, nearly one-third of the Top 100 Ultras each year are held in California.  In 2008 there were over 7000 finishers of ultra events in California.  Texas was second in this particular report with 1758 finishers but with the cancellation of the SunMart Trail Endurance Runs, this number has definitely dropped considerably since.

source: UltraRunning, March 2009, page 37

Moreover, California counts 64 marathons including one of the most desired courses, the Big Sur Marathon, along with two of the most popular marathons:  the Los Angeles Marathon (6^th largest in the US in 2009 with 14,128 finishers)and San Diego’s Rock n’ Roll Marathon (7^th with 13,328 finishers). This trend does not only apply to marathons and ultras.  The website www.runningintheusa.com lists 836 total races of various distances in California, by far the most of any state.  Furthermore, there are over 150 different running clubs in California.  Texas once again comes in second with a measly 79 clubs.

Big Sur Bridge

So what makes California such a runner’s paradise?

Population and Demographics: With a population of approximately 37 million, there are as many people in the state of California as there are in all of Canada.  California is the most populous state and this amount represents roughly 9% of the entire U.S. population.  It is also the fastest growing state with a relatively young population.  Nearly 25% of its population is under the age of twenty-five.  With such a large population base, this inevitably translates into greater demand and more participation in almost everything including running.

Geography and Climate: California is America’s 3^rd largest State with an area of 423,971 Km² (163,696 square miles), but its geography and climate are much more diverse and hospitable than both Alaska and Texas who are bigger.  In terms of diversity, we find in this state the highest (Mount Whitney at 4,425m or 14,505ft above sea level) and lowest (Death Valley at 85.5m or 282ft below sea level) geographical points of the contiguous United States.  Interestingly, parts of both of these regions are tackled in the grueling Badwater 135 run!  California also has dozens upon dozens of mountain ranges, thousands of kilometers of scenic coastline, a number of arid deserts, lush valleys and majestic forests with some of the tallest and oldest trees in North America.  With this kind of topographical variety on such a large area, we invariably find numerous State Parks (http://www.parks.ca.gov) and countless trail systems (http://www.californiatrails.org) to explore.

As for temperature, California is blessed with an assortment of different climates from mild Mediterranean in Northern California to subtropical conditions in the low-lying central inland valleys.  With the exception of the high-altitude mountain summits, the mercury rarely dips below freezing in California.  How great would it be to cast away your tights and toques to run outdoors in shorts and t-shirt year-round?

All this said, California is not immune to political and social strife or to natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires.  Also, with such a large population, California obviously has many big cities which inevitably leads to unemployment, poverty, crime, and violence.   I consider myself a proud Canadian and I am very thankful to be living in this great country, but if you are in need of a holiday and would like to include a race during your getaway, I strongly suggest exploring California.  With so much to chose from, you will certainly find a venue to suit your needs and interests.  I personally plan on -and very much look forward to- returning to California in order to run some of the “classics” but I also intend on exploring some of the more obscure races and places.  I understand that there are many fascinating and beautiful destinations right here in Canada, but a strong Canadian dollar coupled with airfare from Buffalo to most U.S. destinations considerably lower than flying within our country, I am encouraged to continue seeking out races south of the boarder.

Vince at Miwok

If you have run in California, we would love to hear your M.E. story about it.  We have already received accounts of WS100, but perhaps you have experienced a different race or destination.  What do you recommend in California?  Please share your adventures by posting a comment or submitting a report.

Gotta run, Vince

[Editor's Note:  The following post was submitted by community member Ange ]

Since now is the time to register for the 2010 Canadian Death Race in Alberta, I thought I would share my story from last years race… happy reading!

The Canadian Death Race – 2009 – Angie’s report

So the one question that is asked from the Canadian Death Race is – Are you tough enough? I have to say ‘hell yes’ I’m tough enough – will I try this race again ‘hell no’!

Karl, Wouter, and I arrived in Edmonton at 8:30am and waited for Martin (Wouter’s son) to meet us from Vancouver. Wouter is the man I met through the CDR email list of solo participants who happens to live near me. Wouter and I trained together a few times and planned to run the entire race together. Karl came to crew for me and Martin for Wouter. The drive from Edmonton to Grand Cache was beautiful but uneventful.  Both Wouter and I were eager to get to race central and pick up our race kits.

The entire town of Grand Cache supports the CDR; in fact, I think if it wasn’t for the race the town would struggle to survive. Every lamp post had a Death Race flag attached and signs were in all of the store windows. We went to pick up our kits and purchased a prayer flag which would fly high atop Mt Hamel during the race in hopes to keep us safe ).

There were 230 solo racers that registered for the race, plus close to 250 relay teams of 2 to 5 racers. A small expo or ‘Death Fest’ as they called it was set up and a band was getting ready to play once the official race talk was over with. Dale Tuck (a.k.a. Dr. Death) the race director got on stage in full death gear to tell us what we could expect during each leg of the race. He was very comical in his description of each leg but was able to reinforce the potential of what could happen out there. One of the key things about the day he wanted us to be aware of was that the temperatures were expected to be unseasonably warm. I have to say I was much more nervous about doing this race then any other race, mostly I think it had to due with the 3 mountains I had to summit.  As I sat there in the middle of the field with all of the other racers listening to Dr. Death, I looked around me and staring straight back was Flood Mountain, Grand Mountain, and the massive Mount Hamel. I thought, sure I can handle Flood & Grand, but Hamel, I don’t know about that. As it turned out it was Flood Mountain I should have been worried about!

We woke Saturday morning to a sunny blue sky and warm temperatures. Our plan was to carry one bottle for the first leg (19k) and then grab our back packs for the rest of the race. Karl and Martin came to the start to see us off and as the clock counted down to zero, Wouter and I hit the port-a-potties one last time. Then, we were off. The crowed support was amazing in town. We did a short run through the streets, then into the forest we went, hitting a short steep hill to start. It seemed the heat hit me right away. Wouter was ahead of me but I kept him in sight. The trail was very narrow and everyone ran at a quick pace. As we neared the first check point I was feeling the heat. We went through the transition area and beeped in with our timing stick (yes we had to carry a timing stick and a coin during the entire race, if we lost either one we were out). Karl & Martin were there to switch our packs for us and bring us what we needed to continue on to Leg 2 (a.k.a. the hardest leg of the race).

The weight of my back pack was noticeable heading into Leg 2. Within a kilometre or two we started heading up Flood Mountain. It was a long slow climb which got steeper and steeper as we got to the top. I was struggling a lot now with the heat and elevation. Wouter waited for me several times to catch up – the last couple of kilometres to the top were the hardest. It was straight up and several runners had to stop to catch their breath on many occasions, myself included. When I finally reached the top Wouter was waiting for me, I beeped in and we headed back down Flood. By this time I was really hurting and contemplating calling it quits at the emergency aid-station (about 9k away). The down hill was very steep but we were actually lucky with the dry weather and the mud slide we thought was going to be there was not. The downhill continued and then it was uphill again, then down, then up… I think you get the picture… some people actually brought pillows that they strapped to their butts to slide down on! When I saw Wouter again I told him to go on without me as I was 99% sure I’d DNF at the aid-station. I rested for a few minutes and then continued down to the aid-station. When I got there I told one of the volunteers that I was dizzy and felt sick, she told me to sit down, drink and eat and rest for a bit. I wasn’t the only one in this condition, several runners were feeling the same and I later learned that many dropped out at that point. The medic at the aid-station asked me a few questions and told me I needed to drink and pee more but I was okay to go on if I wanted too. I asked if Grand Mountain was as steep of a climb as Flood and he said it was on an old dirt road but had a few steep climbs to it. I decided I was feeling a little better so I would at least finish Leg 2.

By the time I got to the top of Grand (which was a breeze compared to Flood) I was feeling much better, the temperature started to drop and there were a few rain drops coming down. I started to put a smile on my face going down Grand and then the thunder came and the down pour and of course the downhill became a mud slide – 1.5k straight down and then 1.5k straight up… I’m sure Dr. Death was laughing when he picked this course! Once I climbed the 1.5k up the terrain turned to a continuous up and down for many kilometres. At one point my feet slipped out from under me 3 times due to the mud and I was on my ass sliding down. The runner behind me was pretty much doing the same and he could hear me laughing; it was the only way down the mountain! This was actually the most fun I had during the race! The scenery during the entire race was beautiful but this part of the race made me laugh and I decided if I can make the cut-off for Leg 2 then I will continue to Leg 3.

As I entered the transition area to Leg 3 Karl was calling out my name.  I was running up the hill chatting with another runner and had forgotten that Wouter must have told them that I was going to DNF.  Karl was surprised to see me running and asked if I was going to continue.  I thought sure why not, I’ll see how far I get on Leg 3.  I had no hopes of making that cut-off as I was already 1 hour behind my goal pace to finish in 23 hours (24 hour cut-off), but I knew there were no mountains to climb in Leg 3 so I hit the port-a-potty and headed down the road to start Leg 3.

Leg 3 was my perfect running terrain; not too technical and rolling hills but no steep climbs.  I ran the entire leg and was drinking and peeing so felt much better. The rain had stopped and the temperature seemed a bit cooler then earlier in the day.  I still had not hit any major water crossings as I thought, so my feet remained somewhat dry and no blisters appeared to be forming. When I came into the transition area from Leg 3 to Leg 4, Wouter was just leaving. His stomach was starting to feel bad but he continued on.  We felt it best if he continued without me while I refueled.  Leg 4 was the climb up Mount Hamel and I knew I would only slow Wouter down on the uphill.  I told him I’d catch him on the downhill and he was off.

The start of Leg 4 went right into a climb and didn’t stop for about 3.5 hours.  The climb was technical at times and at other times we were on a rocky road.  I passed the Hamel Assault way before the cut-off so I thought I was in good shape to finish Leg 4. Since it doesn’t get dark in Grand Cache until close to 11pm, I was on top of Hamel in the day light and it was an amazing view.  The wind picked up as I ran to the edge of the mountain to get my prayer flag and bring it back to the volunteers as proof that I made it to the edge. I stopped to put a long sleeve on, put my headlamp on and headed down the mountain.  It’s a long down hill and by the time I reached the Amber loop aid-station it was dark.  The Amber loop is basically a 5k loop that is a 1k road on an incline, 3k uphill in the forest and then 1k downhill back to the aid-station.  As I finished the loop I thought to myself, what the hell was that for?  Dr. Death surely was laughing now!  When I headed down the final 10k to the start of Leg 5 there were two ambulances waiting to depart with runners aboard.

I entered the Leg 5 transition area and heard Karl calling my name. It appeared that Wouter had picked up his pace and the guys missed him, so Martin had gone off to see if he could provide him with fluids and food at the emergency aid-station.   Karl got me everything I needed and I was off.  It was shortly after 2am when I left which meant I had just short of 6 hours to finish. Leg 5 was only 22k but for some reason I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy 22k. Sure enough a couple of hundred meters from the transition area the trail went straight up and kept going! There was no way I could do any running.  It was 9k to the ferry man where I needed to provide my coin for safe passage to the other side of the river (yes, I still had that damn coin with me!).  The forest was very dense and reminded me so much of Haliburton.  I think this section of the race is what finally did my toenail in! It took me two hours to do 9k but I made it to the boat before the cut-off so I was happy!   Only 13k more to go.   Did I mention Dr. Death has a sense of humour?  So you give your coin to the volunteer (No grim reaper, just a guy in jeans and a sweater asking for my coin… very disappointing).  I got into the small fishing boat with 5 other racers and across the river we went. We had punched out before we got in the boat and we would punch our timing stick back in when we arrived on the other side (the time in the boat would later be deducted from our overall race time).  Okay, so I mentioned Dr. Death had a sense of humour right… well the boat pulls up to shore… is there a dock?  No!  You have to jump off the boat and hope you don’t land in the river.   So I’ve been running for what close to 20 hours by now and they want me to JUMP OFF THE BOAT AND NOT LAND IN THE WATER!!!  Are they freaking kidding me!  So I make the guy hold my arm while I attempt my jump and did I make it?  Hell no!  20 hours running and now I get my feet wet!   So I ask how far to the finish.  H says 13k.  I say is it all trail?  He says it’s all up that hill… nice… Dr. Death funny guy… okay, so the total 13k wasn’t up hill but the first 2k was straight up!  I heard one girl behind me say, this doesn’t really go straight up for 2k does it and the guys says, well yeah it does… great… so we go straight up, then level out a bit, then up again where we can hear a man yelling “Go Death Racers”.  When we reach him he says only 10k to go and your done. A bit of up and down and then straight into town.  Okay, so do these people in Grand Cache know what straight into town means!!!  So I’m running up and down, up and down… you know, same as before and then I can see the lights of the town and I’m thinking they’re a long way away.  Then I start thinking to myself, have I been going around in circles for the last hour or what!!!!  Then I see a sign that says 5k and you’re done and I’m thinking that man lied to me!!!  This was way more then 10k!!  I continue on waiting for that ‘straight into town bit to come… but does it come, hell no… we hit the road for the last 3k which is a dirt (you guessed it) up and down hill road!!  Again, thoughts of the last few kilometres of Haliburton hit me and I push on.  I still have not been able to run and when I did hit a down hill my toes were so sore that running wasn’t an option.  Then ahead in the distance… am I delirious or are those houses before me?  Yes, houses!!!  I’m almost done!!  I turn onto the street and see people out cheering me on, yelling ‘Go Death Racer, Go!’ and of course, ya gotta run when everyone is watching.   So I forgot about the sore legs and sore toes and I ran up the hill (yes, that’s right another up hill) to the finish line, but do I get to go through it… hell no… Dr. Death again with his sense of humour makes us run past the finish line loop around and run up hill (is there any other way) to the finish!   I was thrilled to have finished, Karl, Martin and Wouter were waiting at the finish for me. The clock read 22:25.

After we all showered and caught a couple hours of sleep and had a decent meal we headed over to race central to check out race results.  We found out that of the 230 solo racers that registered, only 190 actually started and only 76 actually finished.  Wouter had come in 1st in his age category (60 – 69) and I had come in 4th.  I was thrilled to have finished at all.  We spent the rest of the day eating and sleeping – the awards would be handed out Monday morning.

Monday morning we went back to race central and had breakfast and watched the Death Race DVD, then the awards were being announced.  Dr. Death had all previous finishers come up on stage and then announced the top three in each age category.  We cheered Wouter on when he went up and then Dr. Death started announcing all of the other finishers and each one went up on stage and got their coin, he kept calling names but mine never came up? When he said that was it I said no way, that’s not right so I went up to him and said he didn’t call me.   He said oh we must have called you earlier and you didn’t hear.  I didn’t think so, but I took my box which contained a coin (no belt buckles) and I walked back to Karl & Martin.  Everyone was leaving the stage and I opened my box and there under my name was a time of 22:21 and 3rd place woman’s 40 – 49.   Say what!!! I went back to Dr. Death and said what’s up with this you didn’t call my name for 3rd place… he looked at his sheet and said oh sorry, I called the wrong name… congrats. I don’t think I care for Dr. Death’s sense of humour any more!

I have to say, I’ve wanted to do this race since I started running over 10 years ago and I finally did it.  The trail is tough but the weather can make it tougher.  We were lucky that we didn’t have the water crossing that most runners get each year, but then we had the heat which was very unusually for Grand Cache.  It is definitely a race to experience… at least once )

I hope you enjoyed my race report.  I feel for those that were not able to finish, but although they may not be Death Race finishers, they are all Death Racers.

Angie

[Editor's Note: The following was submitted by community member Clay Williams.]

The mandatory pre-race Pasta dinner started around 6:30, but unfortunately the cookhouse ran out of pasta early, so I ate more bread instead. There was a brief introduction by all of the participants and crew that were at the dinner, then a weigh-in after the meal. I had my ritual pre-race chocolate before going to bed. After getting under the blankets in my tent, I got a chill (kind of a whole-body shiver), so I re-wrapped, then slept very well. I had prepared EVERYTHING well in advance, including setting my alarm time, batteries in the clock, etc., but did not turn the alarm on when I went to bed. I woke to Joe’s alarm, 15 minutes past MY set time and had a moment of panic, but there was still plenty of time to get ready. I got dressed, hit the washroom, had a quick breakfast, then all of the runners gathered for the opening prayer and the start of the race. All 100 mile, 50 mile, and 50 km runners started at the same time, with a loud verbal count-down to the start. I ran with Joe for the first while, an easy run along the East road, and at a moderate pace, but a little faster than Joe’s pace. After about a mile, he told me to go ahead, he would have to back off a little. I got to aid station 3 about 10 minutes ahead of my target pace, and then after the Normac trail I got into aid station 2 at 18 minutes ahead of my target.

Taking a break at mile 90