Last week, when I was out to dinner with some friends, someone asked,
"So Andy, tell us, what is your relationship with running?"
Um, well, that's an interesting question...
I totally bungled the answer and then we moved on with the evening but the question stuck with me as most good questions do.
It lingered...
What is my relationship with running?
Well, on the good days it's like a full-blown steamy love affair. You know, the kind you have when you're sixteen. Everything is good, intense and right now. No worries about the past and no thoughts about the future. Just now!
Then, there are the times when it's like a 20-year marriage. That tried and true I-know-what-you're-thinking-before-you-even-say-it kind of relationship. The kind of relationship that knows what to expect and knows what is to be expected. It's not flashy and it's certainly not sexy but it's there, day in and day out, always.
On occasion it's like having a brother. You know, you call each other from time to time and occasionally get together to take in a ballgame or a happy hour but for the most part you are connected because you have the same mom and you like the same things. That, most of the time, is enough.
There are those times the relationship is a bit mentor/mentee. You know, think "Tuesday's With Morrie" or something like that. These are not the best days of the relationship but they do help you get through the bad days and give you the reason to get out again tomorrow. And, these tough times make the good times better. And heck, who ever really likes having a mentor anyway?
And then, at last, it's like that "best friend" relationship. You know the one. The relationship that defies convention and resists definition. The relationship that persists 20 years after college graduation and the relationship that remembers you, warts and all, from years and years of history. The relationship that helps you understand who you are and who you want to be. The relationship that makes you whole.
So, running, here's to you!
My lover, spouse, brother, mentor, and friend.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Harper's Time Trial
This morning I had the opportunity to run the Harper's Time Trial. It is a somewhat nondescript 2.3 mile section of trail ascending 1000 feet through the Idaho Mountains north of Ketchum. That, taken alone, is pretty ordinary. However, what makes this particular run extraordinary is its connection to the Sun Valley Cross Country Ski Team. You see, this run is the creation of Rick Kapala, the legendary coach of the Sun Valley Ski Team. For the past 10 or so years Rick's athletes have used Harper's as a proving ground in determining their fitness going into the season.
The list of names and times who have tackled Harper's is impressive. Olympians Morgan Arritola, Noah Hoffman and Simi Hamilton have tested themselves here as have members of the Norwegian Ski Team, collegiate Nordic skiers from across the country and countless other cardio beasts. Rick keeps meticulous records of the runs and everybody who tackles the trail has their eye on something. The seemingly unbeatable overall Course Record of 11:50 is held by Ben True, a Dartmouth grad and 3:40 1500 meter runner. Morgan Arritola, not surprisingly, holds the women's record of 13:41.
I headed out there this morning to test my fitness along with a handful of the studs on the SV ski team. We started at 1 minute intervals and redlined the entire time. I started out hard and just pegged my effort. In the end I finished it in 14:10 tied with Scotty Phelan and 25 seconds behind Torin Tucker (son of Montrail Founder Scott Tucker). It was great to get out there with some real athletes to test myself. In fact, I am thinking of going out there again in a couple weeks to see if I can break 14. As Pre used to say, "It's always good, once in awhile, to completely blow out the carbon!"
The list of names and times who have tackled Harper's is impressive. Olympians Morgan Arritola, Noah Hoffman and Simi Hamilton have tested themselves here as have members of the Norwegian Ski Team, collegiate Nordic skiers from across the country and countless other cardio beasts. Rick keeps meticulous records of the runs and everybody who tackles the trail has their eye on something. The seemingly unbeatable overall Course Record of 11:50 is held by Ben True, a Dartmouth grad and 3:40 1500 meter runner. Morgan Arritola, not surprisingly, holds the women's record of 13:41.
I headed out there this morning to test my fitness along with a handful of the studs on the SV ski team. We started at 1 minute intervals and redlined the entire time. I started out hard and just pegged my effort. In the end I finished it in 14:10 tied with Scotty Phelan and 25 seconds behind Torin Tucker (son of Montrail Founder Scott Tucker). It was great to get out there with some real athletes to test myself. In fact, I am thinking of going out there again in a couple weeks to see if I can break 14. As Pre used to say, "It's always good, once in awhile, to completely blow out the carbon!"
Monday, September 27, 2010
One of those runs
Have you ever had one of those runs that you just want to bottle up and save forever?
One of those runs that sneaks up on you when you least expect it and teaches you a thing or two?
One of those runs that, when all is said and done, reminds you of why we do this every day?
Well, I had one of those runs this morning...
The alarm went off at 4:30am and I quickly turned it off. All the usual stuff ran through my head.
I am not training for anything, I have a long day of work ahead, I need the sleep because I've just returned from a kid's soccer tournament, etc, etc, etc...
But, when the alarm went off again, on cue at 4:39am, I got up, padded my way to the coffee maker and started the pre-run routine. Before I knew it I had my shorts on, then my shirt, gloves, hat, and finally, shoes...I said to myself, "Just get the run in, at dinner you'll be glad you did." I headed out with no other goal than to get it done.
And then, It happened. Soon after heading out the door I got to the turn by the Y in 5:40 and the Highway Crossing in 9:20. I crested the Saddle in 12:50 and passed by the school in 15:50 (my previous PR was 16:00 to this point). I passed Sun Valley City Hall in 18:14 and crested the Dollar Mountain Hill in 24:10. "Hey, wait a minute, if I can keep this up I could PR the 9.3 mile Elkhorn Loop." I said out loud as if anyone could hear me. And, I got competitive with myself. I got to the turn to Elkhorn Village in 30:10 and crested the Big Climb in 36:00 flat. By the time I ran past the Sun Valley Reservoir I felt like I was floating. Through the cold, dark, predawn air I was moving totally and completely free. The rest of the run was a blur but in the end I PR'd the Elkhorn loop by 30 seconds over my previous best which was a full two years ago!
Does this matter to anyone but me? No.
Does anybody reading this care about my Elkhorn Loop PR? No.
Will this matter in my build-up to Western States next year? Of course not.
But, on this day, did this make me a better man? Absolutely!
Today's run was indicative and emblematic of what I love about running. No matter who you are, no matter how fast or slow you are, no matter how much you care and no matter who is looking, running, the sheer act of getting out there, makes us better. Running makes us better at who we are and running makes us better at who we want to be. In fact, for those of us who truly embrace it, running is who we are. And that, for me, is enough to get me out there again tomorrow.
One of those runs that sneaks up on you when you least expect it and teaches you a thing or two?
One of those runs that, when all is said and done, reminds you of why we do this every day?
Well, I had one of those runs this morning...
The alarm went off at 4:30am and I quickly turned it off. All the usual stuff ran through my head.
I am not training for anything, I have a long day of work ahead, I need the sleep because I've just returned from a kid's soccer tournament, etc, etc, etc...
But, when the alarm went off again, on cue at 4:39am, I got up, padded my way to the coffee maker and started the pre-run routine. Before I knew it I had my shorts on, then my shirt, gloves, hat, and finally, shoes...I said to myself, "Just get the run in, at dinner you'll be glad you did." I headed out with no other goal than to get it done.
And then, It happened. Soon after heading out the door I got to the turn by the Y in 5:40 and the Highway Crossing in 9:20. I crested the Saddle in 12:50 and passed by the school in 15:50 (my previous PR was 16:00 to this point). I passed Sun Valley City Hall in 18:14 and crested the Dollar Mountain Hill in 24:10. "Hey, wait a minute, if I can keep this up I could PR the 9.3 mile Elkhorn Loop." I said out loud as if anyone could hear me. And, I got competitive with myself. I got to the turn to Elkhorn Village in 30:10 and crested the Big Climb in 36:00 flat. By the time I ran past the Sun Valley Reservoir I felt like I was floating. Through the cold, dark, predawn air I was moving totally and completely free. The rest of the run was a blur but in the end I PR'd the Elkhorn loop by 30 seconds over my previous best which was a full two years ago!
Does this matter to anyone but me? No.
Does anybody reading this care about my Elkhorn Loop PR? No.
Will this matter in my build-up to Western States next year? Of course not.
But, on this day, did this make me a better man? Absolutely!
Today's run was indicative and emblematic of what I love about running. No matter who you are, no matter how fast or slow you are, no matter how much you care and no matter who is looking, running, the sheer act of getting out there, makes us better. Running makes us better at who we are and running makes us better at who we want to be. In fact, for those of us who truly embrace it, running is who we are. And that, for me, is enough to get me out there again tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Grand Teton 100 Race Report
I have been meaning to write this report for several weeks but life has gotten in the way. In addition to that, something about the way this race transpired has made it more difficult to put in to words. That, coupled with the fact that I have just been getting through the day-to-day, means that this is a 17-day old race report.
But, for what it’s worth, here goes:
My family and I traveled to the Tetons for Labor Day. Jay and Lisa hosted us in grand style and the race promised to be a good one. Indeed, with 17 entrants it was not exactly the place to be seen and it wasn’t likely to be a barn burner but I knew it would be fun. After the first 25 miles I knew it would be fun, and stressful.
You see, Duncan Callahan was running.
Yes, that Duncan Callahan.
Two-time Leadville Champ Duncan Callahan.
Trains with Tim Parr Duncan Callahan.
Nordic Skiing, cardio monster Duncan Callahan.
27 year-old Duncan Callahan.
It was a “Scalp Fest”
After enjoying a relaxing first 25 miles Duncan and I fell into a stride for stride rhythm on the second ascent up Fred’s Mountain (2500 feet in 2.3 miles) and we began to chat. Life, spouses, races, Tony’s lack of sunscreen, etc…no topic was off limits. It was the best 2 miles of the day. Of course, on the way back down we got down to business and leaving the 30-mile aid station Duncan made his move.
By mile 35 he had a 3-minute lead and by mile 38 it was 6 minutes. He was clearly testing me, poking me with a man-beyond-his-years kind of pluckiness. Hell, he’d won Leadville 2 weeks before, what did he have to prove? I took solace in that thinking he’d come back. But, he poked on. And, I got nervous. Not scared, just nervous. The good kind.
By mile 40 his lead was 8 minutes and I couldn’t let him go. Cruising through Rick’s Basin I kept him in range and my boys told me that by Mile 50 the gap was back to 4 minutes. Comfortable. Patient. Relaxed. I began the third ascent of Fred’s. This was really a race.
Within 10 minutes I saw Duncan a switchback or so ahead. He was leaning slightly to the side and laboring. Not badly, but just enough to keep me motivated. I crested the hill one switchback behind Mr. LT and knew that the game was on…By the time Mile 70 rolled around I smelled blood in the water. I am still not sure what brought him back to me but the puddle of puke by the side of the trail around Mile 72 may have had something to do with it.
By the time we rolled into Mile 75 we were, once again, together. Stride for stride. 3rd place was 2 hours behind and the Course Record was in reach.
I grabbed my bottle, gutted down some soup and got out of there for the final ascent of Fred’s, hoping to finish that whole deal before sunset. Duncan took a seat on a chair and relaxed. I knew then, I had to go. My kids said, “Run the whole climb!”
By the summit I had a 5-minute lead and by Mile 80 it was up to 12 minutes. In the end it was 30 minutes but that does not provide an accurate indication of what Duncan and I did that day.
Yes, it was a small 100 miler.
Yes, by mile 30 it was a 2-man race.
Yes, we were not going to run 15:06, 15:42, 18:35, or 23:23 (epic times run by Geoff, Matt, Geoff, and Kyle) and yes, this race was about fun not glory.
But, we were going to kick the crap out of each other and get Ty’s record.
And, we did both!
I know Duncan has many more battles to fight and wars to win than I do. But I also emerged from this experience knowing that a 42 year-old guy can go to toe-to-toe with a 28 year-old guy and level the playing field a bit.
Also, I learned that, at the end of the day, finding the flow that is so much a part of this 100 mile game can go a long way toward making what we do meaningful, purposeful, and successful. Alone and together, that is what makes our sport transcendent. And, it’ll keep me coming back.
But, for what it’s worth, here goes:
My family and I traveled to the Tetons for Labor Day. Jay and Lisa hosted us in grand style and the race promised to be a good one. Indeed, with 17 entrants it was not exactly the place to be seen and it wasn’t likely to be a barn burner but I knew it would be fun. After the first 25 miles I knew it would be fun, and stressful.
You see, Duncan Callahan was running.
Yes, that Duncan Callahan.
Two-time Leadville Champ Duncan Callahan.
Trains with Tim Parr Duncan Callahan.
Nordic Skiing, cardio monster Duncan Callahan.
27 year-old Duncan Callahan.
It was a “Scalp Fest”
After enjoying a relaxing first 25 miles Duncan and I fell into a stride for stride rhythm on the second ascent up Fred’s Mountain (2500 feet in 2.3 miles) and we began to chat. Life, spouses, races, Tony’s lack of sunscreen, etc…no topic was off limits. It was the best 2 miles of the day. Of course, on the way back down we got down to business and leaving the 30-mile aid station Duncan made his move.
By mile 35 he had a 3-minute lead and by mile 38 it was 6 minutes. He was clearly testing me, poking me with a man-beyond-his-years kind of pluckiness. Hell, he’d won Leadville 2 weeks before, what did he have to prove? I took solace in that thinking he’d come back. But, he poked on. And, I got nervous. Not scared, just nervous. The good kind.
By mile 40 his lead was 8 minutes and I couldn’t let him go. Cruising through Rick’s Basin I kept him in range and my boys told me that by Mile 50 the gap was back to 4 minutes. Comfortable. Patient. Relaxed. I began the third ascent of Fred’s. This was really a race.
Within 10 minutes I saw Duncan a switchback or so ahead. He was leaning slightly to the side and laboring. Not badly, but just enough to keep me motivated. I crested the hill one switchback behind Mr. LT and knew that the game was on…By the time Mile 70 rolled around I smelled blood in the water. I am still not sure what brought him back to me but the puddle of puke by the side of the trail around Mile 72 may have had something to do with it.
By the time we rolled into Mile 75 we were, once again, together. Stride for stride. 3rd place was 2 hours behind and the Course Record was in reach.
I grabbed my bottle, gutted down some soup and got out of there for the final ascent of Fred’s, hoping to finish that whole deal before sunset. Duncan took a seat on a chair and relaxed. I knew then, I had to go. My kids said, “Run the whole climb!”
By the summit I had a 5-minute lead and by Mile 80 it was up to 12 minutes. In the end it was 30 minutes but that does not provide an accurate indication of what Duncan and I did that day.
Yes, it was a small 100 miler.
Yes, by mile 30 it was a 2-man race.
Yes, we were not going to run 15:06, 15:42, 18:35, or 23:23 (epic times run by Geoff, Matt, Geoff, and Kyle) and yes, this race was about fun not glory.
But, we were going to kick the crap out of each other and get Ty’s record.
And, we did both!
I know Duncan has many more battles to fight and wars to win than I do. But I also emerged from this experience knowing that a 42 year-old guy can go to toe-to-toe with a 28 year-old guy and level the playing field a bit.
Also, I learned that, at the end of the day, finding the flow that is so much a part of this 100 mile game can go a long way toward making what we do meaningful, purposeful, and successful. Alone and together, that is what makes our sport transcendent. And, it’ll keep me coming back.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Late Summer
What a week it's been in the world of ultrarunning! UTMB canceled, big surprises at Leadville, and Jorge wins AC again. Wow, what could possibly be next?
Well, for me, after meandering around for much of the last six weeks, I have decided to return to the Grand Teton 100 after a couple years away. While this race is certainly not one of the "majors" it has a certain appeal to me that is tough to resist:
It's a multiple loop course that is quite family friendly (kids can basically lounge in the pool all day and jump out every couple hours to give me stuff)
It's in one of the most beautiful places in the country (the Tetons! C'mon, enough said)
It's organized by two of the most devoted and loving people in the sport (truly, they do not come any better than Jay Batchen and Lisa Smith-Batchen)
It's the last year of the GT100 (Ty Draney's Course Record at least deserves a bit of a challenge:).
So, we'll be heading out there on Friday and we'll see how the chips fall. Duncan Callahan will be there as well so I am sure it will be fun. I'll post a report when all is said and done.
Who knows, I might even dnf:)
Well, for me, after meandering around for much of the last six weeks, I have decided to return to the Grand Teton 100 after a couple years away. While this race is certainly not one of the "majors" it has a certain appeal to me that is tough to resist:
It's a multiple loop course that is quite family friendly (kids can basically lounge in the pool all day and jump out every couple hours to give me stuff)
It's in one of the most beautiful places in the country (the Tetons! C'mon, enough said)
It's organized by two of the most devoted and loving people in the sport (truly, they do not come any better than Jay Batchen and Lisa Smith-Batchen)
It's the last year of the GT100 (Ty Draney's Course Record at least deserves a bit of a challenge:).
So, we'll be heading out there on Friday and we'll see how the chips fall. Duncan Callahan will be there as well so I am sure it will be fun. I'll post a report when all is said and done.
Who knows, I might even dnf:)
Friday, August 27, 2010
UTMB
Canceled due to mudslides across trail. Incredible. I hope everyone is OK. Must have been quite a scene.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Update
Lots going on in the JW household over the past few weeks and blogging and running have taken a backseat to life and all its twists and turns. But, with a light at the end of the tunnel and school starting on Monday, hope springs eternal. A few random thoughts/comments/etc...
-Obviously, I was a DNS for PB and Waldo. Family time conspired to get in the way of racing and I hope Ken appreciated my $200 contribution to the cause.
-The LT race looked like it was incredible. Anton went for it and Duncan ran strong throughout. In addition, it looks like Neal Gorman has a legitimate shot at Kulak's Grand Slam record especially if the new Wasatch course is as easy as everyone says it is. Then again, as I told Joe after Scott took his three-hour nap at Lamb's, that's why we run the races...Stay tuned on that. Until the record is broken, Joe's still the Man.
-I, for one, can't wait to see how Geoff does at Mont Blanc. My money's on him to win as I know from firsthand experience that he is the best closer in the business and Kilian's issues at WS could still be lingering. Then again, he's only 22 and perhaps rhabdo goes through those guys faster.
-As for me, I am flirting with a return to Grand Teton 100 if life allows as I understand it will be the last time Jay and Lisa host that distance out at Grand Targhee. And then, later in the Fall, again if life allows, I'd like to see if the Bear and Javelina work for 100's and if Firetrails and the NF 50 in SF work for 50's. We'll see.
In the meantime, I hope you are all enjoying the late summer High Country and that life is good!
-Obviously, I was a DNS for PB and Waldo. Family time conspired to get in the way of racing and I hope Ken appreciated my $200 contribution to the cause.
-The LT race looked like it was incredible. Anton went for it and Duncan ran strong throughout. In addition, it looks like Neal Gorman has a legitimate shot at Kulak's Grand Slam record especially if the new Wasatch course is as easy as everyone says it is. Then again, as I told Joe after Scott took his three-hour nap at Lamb's, that's why we run the races...Stay tuned on that. Until the record is broken, Joe's still the Man.
-I, for one, can't wait to see how Geoff does at Mont Blanc. My money's on him to win as I know from firsthand experience that he is the best closer in the business and Kilian's issues at WS could still be lingering. Then again, he's only 22 and perhaps rhabdo goes through those guys faster.
-As for me, I am flirting with a return to Grand Teton 100 if life allows as I understand it will be the last time Jay and Lisa host that distance out at Grand Targhee. And then, later in the Fall, again if life allows, I'd like to see if the Bear and Javelina work for 100's and if Firetrails and the NF 50 in SF work for 50's. We'll see.
In the meantime, I hope you are all enjoying the late summer High Country and that life is good!
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