Short Video Clip and Article

The good folks at the local Twin Falls newspaper came up to do a story about ultramarathon runners and they ended up making this little video. Check it out. When the site opens go to the video link on the lower right-hand side. If you look closely at the end of the clip you can see my school.

http://www.magicvalley.com/

And, here is the link to the full article:

http://www.magicvalley.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/article_0539cbf7-f2c4-5629-950f-a8ee4b346d99.html

AJW

Update

Been a while since I've written so I thought I'd check in. No real reason for not posting other than the fact that I've been super busy at work and I've been taking it easy running.

That said, November is the month that, for me, always symbolizes the slow, gradual build-up to Western States. I know it might sound strange to some folks that I start training in November for a run that takes place in late-June but it has worked for me in the past so I guess, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Anyway, my volume has settled into the 60 mpw range for now and I have pushed back my 5 min mile attempt until the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Between now and then I'll run two 5k races (one road and one xc) and in between I'll keep hammering on the track. Saturday I managed 4x400 on pace and also threw in some 200's faster than pace so, we'll see.

Check this out from RunJunkie's Twitter feed:

http://www.twitvid.com/93555

And finally, congrats to...
Meb on the big NYC win.
Padre Angulo on the WS qualifier.
And Dave James on a killer Javelina CR.

From my perspective Dave's run at JJ is 3rd for POY.

Like Father Like Son

Here is a picture of my 9 year-old son Logan, with me by his side, pushing through the last 100 meters of his mile run yesterday. He squeezed in just under 7 minutes. Kid loves to run, go figure!

Western States 2010

Well, it's about that time. Time for the first Western States post in the run-up to 2010. This is not a prediction post or a philosophical post or even a reflective post. Rather, this is just a little rumination about the upcoming race. After all, the deadline for getting into the lottery is tomorrow and there are about 1800 folks interested in running as of now. In addition, there is a bit of buzz coming out of Auburn that a few changes may be on the way. I know nothing about this but the rumor mill in this sport is pretty active so, you never know. It's pretty fun sitting here in the off-season thinking about WS 2010 and wondering what it has in store:

Cal Hal 3-peat?
Will the foreign influence continue?
Can the East Coasters continue to rise?
Will Anita win again?
Who will be the surprises coming out of the newly configured Ultra Cup?

The list of intriguing questions goes on and on but one thing's for sure. The excitement for the event is greater than ever. The mystique around the event is thicker than ever. And, the feeling I have about toeing that line for a 7th time in June is more exhilarating than ever.

Much, much more to come.

AJW

New poll

With Roes and Krupicka getting the most votes in the two previous polls here's the tie-breaker, head-to-head. Hopefully, we'll see them duel it out in real life soon.

Mileage Total for Nine Months

I just added up my miles for the first nine months of 2009 and I think I am on track to reach my goal of 3200. As of today I am sitting on 2691 miles for the year. With a reduction in mileage through the fall as I try to run a 5 min mile it will be tight. But, if I manage to stay issue free I think I'll make it.

Went to the track tonight:

5x100 16 seconds each
3x200 36 seconds each
6x400 78, 76, 79, 79, 79, 75

This is going to be tough!

And, oh yeah, I made a bet with Brownie. You can check it out on his blog.

5 minute mile

My good friend and fellow M10'er Criag Thornley laid it out there a few weeks ago and I am taking the bait. On November 12th I am going to try to run 4:59.0 for a mile. Sounds stupid? Indeed.

Until then I'll be significantly decreasing my mileage in an attempt to increase my speed (as if I have any). Any advice, other than the obvious, would be greatly appreciated. And, in case you care, the fastest mile I've ever run was 5:12 when I was 20 years old (I am now a sad and decrepit 42).

AJW

PS -- In the "keeping score at home"department, however this whole fiasco turns out I am still leading LB by 4 hours in the 10-year bet. Don't ever forget (even if his wife loves him more than mine does:)