Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Book Review: Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, & The Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
I just finished up reading the new book by Christopher McDougall called Born to Run. This book has several different facets to it, but the main thread throughout it is about the Tarahumara Indians of the Copper Canyons in Mexico. They are famously known for being great long distance runners on nothing more than a homemade sandal for support and chia seeds and pinole for food. The book covers Chris's quest to find out if he is made for long distance running and how the Tarahumara manage to run so long even when they are older.
The book goes behind the scenes of the some country's best Ultrarunners and delves into the closed culture of the Tarahumara. It was great to read about what some of the runners are really like as the magazine articles tend to build them up as superheroes and in reality they are normal people like everyone else. I really appreciated the amount of depth he went into to talk about how we are built for running and the effects shoes have had on our running injuries. I am a big minimalist when it comes to running shoes.
The book covers a lot of history going back to when the Tarahumara ran the Leadville 100 and follows this mysterious character who turned his back on society and followed the Tarahumara into the wilds of the Copper Canyons. This white ghost travels the secluded trails of the Mexican wild in search of his purpose in life and seeks out the ways of the Tarahumara. After he gains the trust of them, he comes up with an idea of having an ultra race on their turf with some of the USA's best runners. The race does come to fruition and even brought in the great Scott Jurek. For how the race went down and the details of the planning, you will have to read the book.
Overall this was a great book and I give it 3***. This is one of those books that I did not want to put down and I did not want it to end. If you are into running, ultrarunning, or just curious about why people challenge themselves to extremes, this book is for you. You will be glad you read it.
The book goes behind the scenes of the some country's best Ultrarunners and delves into the closed culture of the Tarahumara. It was great to read about what some of the runners are really like as the magazine articles tend to build them up as superheroes and in reality they are normal people like everyone else. I really appreciated the amount of depth he went into to talk about how we are built for running and the effects shoes have had on our running injuries. I am a big minimalist when it comes to running shoes.The book covers a lot of history going back to when the Tarahumara ran the Leadville 100 and follows this mysterious character who turned his back on society and followed the Tarahumara into the wilds of the Copper Canyons. This white ghost travels the secluded trails of the Mexican wild in search of his purpose in life and seeks out the ways of the Tarahumara. After he gains the trust of them, he comes up with an idea of having an ultra race on their turf with some of the USA's best runners. The race does come to fruition and even brought in the great Scott Jurek. For how the race went down and the details of the planning, you will have to read the book.
Overall this was a great book and I give it 3***. This is one of those books that I did not want to put down and I did not want it to end. If you are into running, ultrarunning, or just curious about why people challenge themselves to extremes, this book is for you. You will be glad you read it.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tulsa Chris Brown Duathlon Race Report
Today was the Tulsa Chris Brown Duathlon, a 5K run, 30K bike, and another 5K run, all based over at the Westside parks and trails. I had pretty good expectations going into this race other than I haven't done a lot of speed work lately. I am just two weeks off of doing the Leadville Marathon and have been in a recovery phase. I felt as though my speed would still be good and that I could easily do a sub 20 5K on the first leg and maybe a sub 21 5K on the second leg. I was not for sure about the bike as that is something I feel like I am still working on. Weather was typical for late July in Oklahoma, hot and miserable. When I woke up this morning at 5:21 am it as already 76 degrees. About the same as last year.
Here we are lining up on West Jackson before we head out on the trails. I was standing next to and talking to Trani Matthews who was doing the run portion as a relay. He is a real good runner and I knew if I could keep up with him, I would have a good starting pace. I am in the dark blue suit up front towards the left.
And we are off! Kyle Brady sprinted out to the lead, but was followed closely by Tom Brennan. Tom is 2X winner of the Arkansas Traveller 100 mile trail race and he is a great friend. I felt good going out and was on pace for a sub 20 first leg. I felt good through the first 2K, but reality started to set in and I knew it was going to be rougher than expected. I knew Rob James was in my age group and I kept him in my sights. At this point I was still in the top 15.
Here I am finishing up the first 5K and headed towards transition. I ended up with a 20:23 5K, not bad, but I wanted to be a little faster than that. Some of my competition was close on my tail and they ended up in transition not too far behind me.
Here we are heading out of the first transition with me on the far left. The two guys in front of me were behind me on the run, but passed me out of transition. I felt pretty good on the bike and ended up passing several people and just bided my time around a few others. One by one I started passing some pretty good athletes, Tom Brennan, Kara Cassel, Steve Lee, and some others. I stayed well hydrated and did not feel as though I was pushing myself too hard. I passed some people on the bike and they were breathing pretty hard, but I felt in control. I am still not for sure how hard to push myself on the bike in order to save some for the run. I ended up averaging 22.4 on the bike, my best average time and by far the best in how I felt. I still need an aero helmet.
It was time for the second run. I knew I was ahead of Tom Brennan, but I did not know how far. He is faster than me on the run and I knew I had to go hard. I went out in the first 5K in about 4:12, but I knew I wouldn't be able to maintain it. We had a turnaround at halfway so you could see your competition and I saw Tom coming. He ended up passing me in between 3 and 4K. I still passed some more people and managed a 21:53 5K. Not bad, but not where I wanted. This put me in 11th place overall with a time of 1:33:53. I thought I had a great chance at 1:30, but with the heat and my speed legs not being there, it didn't happen. This is me with Tom after we did some cool down running.
I ended up with an award for 2nd place in my age group and an overall great day. I have struggled with the bike in the past, but today I really enjoyed the bike and the run was a struggle. Kyle Brady took the men's overall with a time of 1:24:35 and Kara Cassell took the ladies overall with 1:35:53. I still have some work to do, but I had fun and I love going out and competing hard early in the morning, enjoying the fellowship afterwards, and then spending the rest of the day with the family relaxing watching movies. It was a good day! Results can be found here.
Here we are lining up on West Jackson before we head out on the trails. I was standing next to and talking to Trani Matthews who was doing the run portion as a relay. He is a real good runner and I knew if I could keep up with him, I would have a good starting pace. I am in the dark blue suit up front towards the left.
And we are off! Kyle Brady sprinted out to the lead, but was followed closely by Tom Brennan. Tom is 2X winner of the Arkansas Traveller 100 mile trail race and he is a great friend. I felt good going out and was on pace for a sub 20 first leg. I felt good through the first 2K, but reality started to set in and I knew it was going to be rougher than expected. I knew Rob James was in my age group and I kept him in my sights. At this point I was still in the top 15.
Here I am finishing up the first 5K and headed towards transition. I ended up with a 20:23 5K, not bad, but I wanted to be a little faster than that. Some of my competition was close on my tail and they ended up in transition not too far behind me.
Here we are heading out of the first transition with me on the far left. The two guys in front of me were behind me on the run, but passed me out of transition. I felt pretty good on the bike and ended up passing several people and just bided my time around a few others. One by one I started passing some pretty good athletes, Tom Brennan, Kara Cassel, Steve Lee, and some others. I stayed well hydrated and did not feel as though I was pushing myself too hard. I passed some people on the bike and they were breathing pretty hard, but I felt in control. I am still not for sure how hard to push myself on the bike in order to save some for the run. I ended up averaging 22.4 on the bike, my best average time and by far the best in how I felt. I still need an aero helmet.
It was time for the second run. I knew I was ahead of Tom Brennan, but I did not know how far. He is faster than me on the run and I knew I had to go hard. I went out in the first 5K in about 4:12, but I knew I wouldn't be able to maintain it. We had a turnaround at halfway so you could see your competition and I saw Tom coming. He ended up passing me in between 3 and 4K. I still passed some more people and managed a 21:53 5K. Not bad, but not where I wanted. This put me in 11th place overall with a time of 1:33:53. I thought I had a great chance at 1:30, but with the heat and my speed legs not being there, it didn't happen. This is me with Tom after we did some cool down running.
I ended up with an award for 2nd place in my age group and an overall great day. I have struggled with the bike in the past, but today I really enjoyed the bike and the run was a struggle. Kyle Brady took the men's overall with a time of 1:24:35 and Kara Cassell took the ladies overall with 1:35:53. I still have some work to do, but I had fun and I love going out and competing hard early in the morning, enjoying the fellowship afterwards, and then spending the rest of the day with the family relaxing watching movies. It was a good day! Results can be found here.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Tulsa Kids Triathlon Race Report
Today was the 12th annual Tulsa Parks kids triathlon and our young gun, Wyatt, entered into the short course version. Last year he did the long course, but he still struggles with the swim and did not want to wear a life jacket, so he entered the short course version. The swim is 25 meters, bike 1/2 mile, and 1/4 mile run. He was really overqualified for the bike and run portions, but that is what he wanted to do.
They did not start the short coursers until the last long course person was off the course, which took about an hour. Here he is waiting in eager anticipation. I asked him if he was excited or nervous and he said, "Why would I be?" Nuff said.
They line up the kids one by one and start them 10 seconds apart. He needs to get some more sun.
After exiting the swim area he could take off running. He kind of looks like an Ethiopian. He will be a great runner, very light.
Coming in off the bike, too fast for the camera.
Coming into the finish chute.
Glad to be done. Great job, way to go Wyatt!
They make sure and give every kid a medal and do not award places. It is very non-competitive, but a lot of fun to watch and cheer them on. Hopefully, he will do the Ironkids next month in OKC.
Next up tomorrow is the Chris Brown Duathlon. I should be able to improve my time from last year as I have a real tri-bike this year and my runs last year were horrible from having a cold. My goal is to be around 1:30. Full report tomorrow.
They did not start the short coursers until the last long course person was off the course, which took about an hour. Here he is waiting in eager anticipation. I asked him if he was excited or nervous and he said, "Why would I be?" Nuff said.
They line up the kids one by one and start them 10 seconds apart. He needs to get some more sun.
After exiting the swim area he could take off running. He kind of looks like an Ethiopian. He will be a great runner, very light.
Coming in off the bike, too fast for the camera.
Coming into the finish chute.
Glad to be done. Great job, way to go Wyatt!
They make sure and give every kid a medal and do not award places. It is very non-competitive, but a lot of fun to watch and cheer them on. Hopefully, he will do the Ironkids next month in OKC.Next up tomorrow is the Chris Brown Duathlon. I should be able to improve my time from last year as I have a real tri-bike this year and my runs last year were horrible from having a cold. My goal is to be around 1:30. Full report tomorrow.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tour Time
I can honestly say this year's Tour De France is one of the best. I have been watching with eager anticipation as to when Lance was going to attack and how he was going to perform. I have literally been yelling at the TV for Lance to breakaway or to give a raspberry to Contador.
Contador is one heck of a rider and he will repeat as the Tour De France champion this year. He smoked the competition in the Time Trial today and has proven he is for real, but the bottom line is, I cannot stand him. His tactics in yesterday's stage were all about him and not about the team. He dropped his teammate like a hot rock and helped the Schleck brothers gain some spots. Even they were shocked.
There has been no secret that once the Tour is over Contador, Johan, and Lance are parting ways. They just cannot wait long enough for it to happen. The situation has been doomed from the beginning as you have two big egos on the same team and one is not going to lie down for the other. It is too bad, but it also great to see what Lance is doing and shows that even some of us old guys can still hang. He has definitely proven himself better than what Greg Lemond did. Greg, you can leave Lance alone now!
Also, this weekend is the White River 50 miler. Big name guys like Krupicka, Crowther, Koerner, and Wardian and going to go head to head in the state of Washington. The line up is incredible and the competition fierce. I cannot wait to see the results. This should be good race training for Tony in his bid to re-take the Leadville 100 title this year. The line up for the race can be found here.
Also, a shout out goes to fellow TATUR Arnold Begay who just completed the Badwater 135 in just over 58 hours. Way to go! That is quite the accomplishment and one I am not for sure I want to do. I hate the heat, but you are a stud. Way to represent!
Contador is one heck of a rider and he will repeat as the Tour De France champion this year. He smoked the competition in the Time Trial today and has proven he is for real, but the bottom line is, I cannot stand him. His tactics in yesterday's stage were all about him and not about the team. He dropped his teammate like a hot rock and helped the Schleck brothers gain some spots. Even they were shocked.
There has been no secret that once the Tour is over Contador, Johan, and Lance are parting ways. They just cannot wait long enough for it to happen. The situation has been doomed from the beginning as you have two big egos on the same team and one is not going to lie down for the other. It is too bad, but it also great to see what Lance is doing and shows that even some of us old guys can still hang. He has definitely proven himself better than what Greg Lemond did. Greg, you can leave Lance alone now!Also, this weekend is the White River 50 miler. Big name guys like Krupicka, Crowther, Koerner, and Wardian and going to go head to head in the state of Washington. The line up is incredible and the competition fierce. I cannot wait to see the results. This should be good race training for Tony in his bid to re-take the Leadville 100 title this year. The line up for the race can be found here.
Also, a shout out goes to fellow TATUR Arnold Begay who just completed the Badwater 135 in just over 58 hours. Way to go! That is quite the accomplishment and one I am not for sure I want to do. I hate the heat, but you are a stud. Way to represent!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
In Defense Of Food
I just finished reading Michael Pollan's book, "In Defense of Food, an Eater's Manifesto". I am not for sure what I was expecting from this book, but I was looking for something to read at the Book Mine in Leadville and ran across it. I was already aware of it and had it reserved it at our library for when we got back. I went ahead and bought it to pass some time while in Leadville.
The book is very hard to follow and he spends over half the book trying to explain what has happened to the Amercian food culture. He coins a term, "Nutritionism", and spends a lot of time trying to explain it. After awhile you are like, "I get it", enough!" He spends the next half of the book giving ideas on how to eat better and to get healthier. Nothing earth shattering here either. His tips are pretty much common sense stuff, but maybe in our rush around society, we need reminders on what we are supposed to do. His main motto is, "Eat food, Not too Much, and Mostly Plants". By food he means things that are actually food and not reprocessed to resemble food. I understand and agree on where he is coming from and I do eat that way most of the time, but to be 100% , all time is pretty tough. I guarantee he does not have any kids. I felt like I did not gain anything by reading it and pretty well wasted my time. I give it a 1 * for at least a catchy motto.
I signed up yesterday for the Chris Brown Memorial Duathlon. 5K run, 30K bike, and 5K run. I did it last year feeling sick with a cold and just having a bike for a few months. I did end up making the roll down list for the US duathlon team to represent the US in Italy. It felt pretty good to get an e-mail from the USA Olympic center committee inviting me to do it. The only problem is that you have to pay your own way. Maybe next time.
The weather has been really hot, 100+ degree weather, but we are having a little cool down. We may hit the upper 50's overnight tonight. After being in Leadville for a week, this was a bummer of a week. Had to go back to work, running in extremely hot weather, no mountains surrounding me, and got turned down for a new job. Oh well, today is a new day. Tony keeps posting on his blog about running up Mt. Massive and Mosquito Pass and that is just making it worse. I wish I was there. The old song says, "California Dreaming", but we are Leadville, Colorado dreaming.
The book is very hard to follow and he spends over half the book trying to explain what has happened to the Amercian food culture. He coins a term, "Nutritionism", and spends a lot of time trying to explain it. After awhile you are like, "I get it", enough!" He spends the next half of the book giving ideas on how to eat better and to get healthier. Nothing earth shattering here either. His tips are pretty much common sense stuff, but maybe in our rush around society, we need reminders on what we are supposed to do. His main motto is, "Eat food, Not too Much, and Mostly Plants". By food he means things that are actually food and not reprocessed to resemble food. I understand and agree on where he is coming from and I do eat that way most of the time, but to be 100% , all time is pretty tough. I guarantee he does not have any kids. I felt like I did not gain anything by reading it and pretty well wasted my time. I give it a 1 * for at least a catchy motto.
I signed up yesterday for the Chris Brown Memorial Duathlon. 5K run, 30K bike, and 5K run. I did it last year feeling sick with a cold and just having a bike for a few months. I did end up making the roll down list for the US duathlon team to represent the US in Italy. It felt pretty good to get an e-mail from the USA Olympic center committee inviting me to do it. The only problem is that you have to pay your own way. Maybe next time.The weather has been really hot, 100+ degree weather, but we are having a little cool down. We may hit the upper 50's overnight tonight. After being in Leadville for a week, this was a bummer of a week. Had to go back to work, running in extremely hot weather, no mountains surrounding me, and got turned down for a new job. Oh well, today is a new day. Tony keeps posting on his blog about running up Mt. Massive and Mosquito Pass and that is just making it worse. I wish I was there. The old song says, "California Dreaming", but we are Leadville, Colorado dreaming.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Scenes From Colorado
Fire on the mountain. We were privileged to be able to watch the fireworks from the Leadville High School on the 4th of July. It was cool enough that people had stocking caps and coats on. Wow!
On top of Breece Hill overlooking Leadville. Notice we are wearing jackets.
Beautiful view overlooking Turquoise Lake with the Mountains in the background.
At the top of Fremont Pass at the Climax mine. Notice the elevation.
Wyatt in front of the elk on Pearl Street in Boulder. Definitely warmer.
The remnants of Oro City. This was a very prosperous mine and city at one time and this is all that is left.
Rainbow trout at the Leadville fish hatchery. Very cool.
This what the real Arkansas river looks like.
I am sorry this thing that runs through Tulsa, is an impostor.
Last Thursday was my birthday and when you are vacation and have no candles, what else is there to use other than GU.
Storms brewing by Mt. Elbert.
Rainbow after the storm.
Some of the TATUR'S starting the hard day at the Marathon.
Johnny Spriggs, President of the Tulsa Running Club at the finish.
After the awards ceremony with my finisher's mug. Well earned!
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