Return to the “R” Reports Page
PF Chiangs Rock & Roll Arizona Marathon - Phoenix, AZ - January 15, 2006 - 3 reports
Calico 50km and 30km - Calico Ghost Town CA - January 15, 2006
Avalon 50 mile run - Catalina Island, CA - January 14, 2006
Fat Ass 50k - Harrisburg, PA - January 1, 2006
Rescue Run - Palmer Park - January 1, 2006 - 18 reports
Tucson Marathon - Tucson, AZ - December 4, 2005
High Desert Ultra 50km - Ridgecrest, CA - December 4, 2005
Rock Canyon Half Marathon - Pueblo, CO - December 3, 2005
Santa Barbara 9 Trails - Santa Barbara, CA - November 26th, 2005
Return to the “R” Reports Page
PF Chiangs Rock & Roll Arizona Marathon - Phoenix, AZ - January 15, 2006
James Cannon reports:
Distance: marathon
Goal: 4:00
Results: 4:17
Website: http://www.rnraz.com
General Summary:
Race course was flat through the streets of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Arizona. The combined registered participation of the full and half marathons was around 33k with around 8k marathon finishers and 18k half marathon finishers. Fortunately, the marathon and half marathon were run on different courses.
Things Done Right:
Decided to do the race. Yes it was a big race run on pavement, but it was a great mid winter break. Plus the side trip to Sedona was fabulous (think a mini Moab).
Things Done Wrong:
Did not train on pavement. This was a very wrong move!!! After the half way point, the pounding from the pavement took a heavy toll. The last half was very ugly.
Any Other Stuff:
I saw quite a few ICers there. Looks like others were looking for a break as well.
Christa Lloyd reports:
Distance: 26.2
Goal: Qualify for Boston (3:40)
Results: 3:19.33, 1st female 18-24
Website: http://www.rnraz.com
General Summary:
Flat course, beautiful weather, and LOW elevation made this a great race! This was only my second marathon, and the bands and cheerleaders along the course really kept my mind occupied, not to mention all the green plants and flowers everywhere. Quite a change from snowy Colorado! The evening concert rounded out the day, too--Overall tons of fun and I highly recommend it!
Things Done Right:
I think living & training at 7700 feet elevation had something to do with it...
I alternated between water and energy drinks at the aid stations, and had a Clif shot at miles 10 and 19, which seemed to be the perfect times to keep me from bonking. I started off conservatively, then picked it up when I still felt good at the 10k point, and ran my second half about two minutes faster than the first.
Things Done Wrong:
I got sick about two weeks before the race and wasn’t able to get a quality long run in, so I did a tough 15-miler the weekend before the race (windy, icy, hilly conditions... yuk). I think I could have had a more consistent training schedule, too. But I really can’t complain about my race!
Richard Hedlind reports:
Distance: 26.2
Goal: 3.45
Results: 3.49
Website: http://www.rnraz.com
General Summary:
A very flat course that goes through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. The course is lined with bands playing, which adds a good distraction in the beginning but the loud music was a bit annoying on the last miles. The scenic surroundings of the valley can be seen from the course. The weather was good and relatively cold for Phoenix. :)
Things Done Right:
Stayed on pace using my GPS. Hydrated at ate GU consistently and ignored everything else that was served.
Things Done Wrong:
I decided to go up to my final, faster pace too early. Should have waited a few more miles. I hit the wall the last miles and lost sight of my goal. Oh well, next time.
Any Other Stuff:
This course is really flat and fast. Low altitude and comfortable weather makes this a good course for PR.
Calico 50km and 30km - Calico Ghost Town CA - January 15, 2006
Anita Bower reports:
Distance: 30km
Goal: finish
Results: 4:31:00
General Summary:
This is a really good, scenic, tough 50km and 30km. Starts and finishes in a ghost town, which is kind of neat.
Things Done Right:
Switched to the 30km instead of the 50km. Running 50 miles the day before, and driving a total of 6 hours in the LA area, plus two hours on a boat filled with hyper teenagers the day before, then turning around and waking up at 4:30 in the morning left me a little drained for the 50km. All the wind in CA must have decided to go to Calico, and there was lots of dirt and dust in the air. Free micro-dermabrasion for all the runners!
Things Done Wrong:
Switched to the 30k. I felt like a woosie.
Any Other Stuff:
A good race, although the stupid dirt bikes and ATV’s kicked up lots of dust, and were all around very irritating.
Avalon 50 mile run - Catalina Island, CA - January 14, 2006
Anita Bower reports:
Distance: 50 miles
Goal: 10 hours
Results: 10:07:00 (about)
Website: http://avalon50.com
General Summary:
The Avalon 50 mile is run on the very hilly and beautiful Catalina Island off the coast of Long Beach CA. About 20 miles of pavement, and the rest it on dirt roads.
Things Done Right:
Took a flashlight to the start! The first hour was dark, despite a glowing full moon. This helped me to go out faster since I finally figured out after nearly seven years of ultrarunning you can run faster when you can see the trail. I also watched for buffalo, which live on the island. If you should decide to run this race, I wouldn’t wear red. Even if red is your favorite color, favorite shirt, or power color that aligns your chakras with the universe, red is not a good color to wear when you are running amongst buffalo. One charged a woman wearing a bright red shirt. Good thing her shorts weren’t red! (she was unharmed, just shaken) I took in plenty of calories, and had a good time with friends, and was able to take the early boat over to Long Beach to run another race the next morning.
Things Done Wrong:
Had too much baggage. It was calling for lots of rain and thunderstorms, so I carried all kinds of rain gear. Turned out I needed none of it, as it only misted heavily. With 100 % humidity and 60 degree temperatures, and no wind, nobody really needed a rain coat, so there were lots of runners with all kinds of cloths hanging off them throughout the race.
Any Other Stuff:
Driving 3 hours in the LA area was more taxing than running 50 miles.
Fat Ass 50k - Harrisburg, PA - January 1, 2006
Mike Sandlin reports:
Distance: 50k
Goal: Finish
Results: 4:07:25 (1st place overall)
General Summary:
Due to health issues, I did not run any races in 2005, so this was a big challenge for me both mentally and physically. After gaining about 10 pounds and losing any mental toughness I had, this was a test to see if I am moving in the right direction to recovery. The race was run on dirt roads with rolling hills. After training in Manitou Springs and Victor (our summer home) for the past two weeks, I felt very strong. I was running in fifth place for the first half of the race and then starting moving up in the order of runners during the last ten miles. I took the lead with three miles to go and felt pretty strong during the final miles.
Things Done Right:
Started running slow and gradually increased my pace.
Things Done Wrong:
I was worried that I started too slow; however, the second half of the race I felt strong and passed the runners who were in front of me.
Any Other Stuff:
Glad to see that I might be on the right track to recovery and looking forward to so really good training with my fellow ICERS this summer. I thought of all my summer runs with the club, which made me feel mentally strong.
Rescue Run - Palmer Park - January 1st, 2006
Kevin Kinney reports:
Distance: 10k
Goal: Wake up in time to run
Results: 1:07:09
Website: http://www.pprrun.org/results/2006_results/2006_rescue_run_10k.htm
General Summary:
Weak showing, but lots of room for improvement
Things Done Right:
Woke up
Things Done Wrong:
Not sure
Bruce Barrell reports:
Distance: 10k
Goal: 45 min
Results: 45:55
General Summary:
Greetings Race Fans and fellow ICers, and Happy New Year to you all!! This is my first report as a new member of the IC, and first time running both this venue and the race. Sunday morning was brisk, with fairly steady breezes and very cool temperatures. If you like races that are a mix of pavement and hard-packed dirt/gravel, then this course is for you.
In the first mile or so, we faced a steady uphill, never very steep, but for someone like me that didn’t get in much of a warm-up, it got my heart pounding in a hurry! After about a mile and a half (?), the 5k runners veered to the left and we 10kers continued on a rolling loop to the right, with nice views of the mountains. This course really varied, with the wind alternately in your face and at your back; out in the open and sometimes hidden by the trees and/or hillsides. The crowd thinned out quickly as we got to the first dirt path section and my need for an EMT subsided. Water stops were few, but given the weather and distance, you really didn’t need to rehydrate much any way. Friendly volunteers — THANKS, GUYS!!!
Great shirt; not much in the way of finish line goodies, but a friendly crowd overall.
Nice training run, and I suspect I’ll be back next year.
Things Done Right:
Pre-race nutrition — strong coffee and two slices of toast with peanut butter and jam two hours before race time — seemed to be right on the money; I also topped it off with a shot of Hammer gel and a shot of water half an hour before hand and my stomach felt great during the race.
Two days before the race, I did a 20 minute bike followed by 30 minutes of intervals on a treadmill and this definitely seemed to help keep my leg speed up. I plan on doing intervals and tempo runs consistently into the summer.... these road/trail runs really show you the need for speed work now and then.
Things Done Wrong:
... along with the great treadmill workout, I followed it with two sets each of leg raises and leg curls, then some upper body weights.... having not lifted for some time, this was dumb if I expected to race a good time; my legs were a little sore and felt really heavy — yikes! Fortunately, this was just a ‘speed workout’ — okay, all things are relative!!
Any Other Stuff:
Palmer Park: this was my first time running here (I’ve only lived in the area since last spring) and overall, it was very nice... this would be a great place for training runs. I just wish more of the run had been on the dirt/gravel paths. Small critique, because overall this was a good course for a 10k.
Dale Schauer reports:
Distance: 10k
Goal: to finish under 1 hour
Results: 58.30
General Summary:
I accomplished my goal, despite a very slow and uphill first 3 miles. It was a great way to begin the New Year! My ski muscles were a bit confused with the run today since they had been in charge the previous five days in a row up at Winter Park, Co.
Things Done Right:
Showing up, staying hydrated, and finishing very strong. I used the heart rate monitor and stayed at a good average for me, 142.
Things Done Wrong:
Caring too much Holiday weight up those hills. I may have started my sprint to the finish a bit too early, as I was able to reel in everyone I had in my sights but fellow incline cluber John O’donnell :) who saw me and took off the last 100 yards!
Scott Suter reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: 55min
Results: 50:36
General Summary:
Good weather to race and start the year off right.
Things Done Right:
Got up and made it out of the house.
Things Done Wrong:
I pushed it a little too hard and my hip is back to hurting. I took off the last month and a half in hopes it would get better.
Kate Raphael reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: finish under an hour
Results: 59:05
General Summary:
Windy, but otherwise perfect weather. Good support. Fun race as usual.
Things Done Right:
For once, I was dressed appropriately. Paced myself well and achieved negative splits every mile.
Things Done Wrong:
Hadn’t been able to run for two weeks, but did get some bicycle workouts in.
Brent Sheffield reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: 1:00
Results: 57:32
Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
General Summary:
This was the first time I have run this race. I did okay considering that I didn’t know the course and really didn’t know what to expect.
Things Done Right:
Ran steady, even effort through the whole race. I beat the time I was hoping to get so I was happy about that.
Things Done Wrong:
Didn’t really train at all leading up to the race. I only avg. about two runs a week since the Pike’s Peak Marathon. Ate a bunch of junk the night before so I felt very sluggish and heavy.
Keith Lonnquist reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: 55min
Results: 54:11, 21/42 in age group
General Summary:
I think this was the nicest weather we’ve had in a while--t-shirt & shorts. Ran about as expected since I have not been putting many miles in this fall/winter.
Things Done Right:
Just kept a comfortable pace and saved a bit for the final couple hundred yards.
Things Done Wrong:
Nothing much--other than I should not have slacked off so much since the PPM.
John O’Donnell reports:
Distance: 10k
Goal: under 1.0 hr.
Results: 58:27
Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
General Summary:
Good day for a race the weather was good compared to past years.
Things Done Right:
none
Things Done Wrong:
none
Calculator =
Any Other Stuff:
just for fun and see how training is coming along.
Michael Shafai reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: Beat Lee Moss
Results: He didn’t show
Website: http://pprrun.org
General Summary:
I was about 10 seconds slower than last year (46:04 vs. 45:54), but since Lee Moss didn’t show up, I had little incentive to go any faster. My 6-yr old daughter ran the one-mile race and she didn’t have to walk any part of the course (it was her first race). It was an awesome experience to run it with her and she was completely pumped because she got a cookie at the end.
Things Done Right:
Had my last drink at 11PM and was in bed by 1AM.
Things Done Wrong:
I could feel the beginnings of a calf cramp on the final downhill, so I had to hold back near the end. It’s a good thing Lee Moss didn’t show up because he probably would have smoked me in the last mile.
Larry DeWitt reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: See how slow I am
Results: 41:48/9th Overall
Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
General Summary:
First 10K in a long long time. Ribs hurt afterward from breathing so hard. Fun course, and a great way to start the year!
Things Done Right:
Didn’t start out too fast and finished strong.
Things Done Wrong:
I would say rode my bike 96 miles the day before, but I did much better than I thought I would, so I guess it wasn’t wrong.
Glen Ash reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: 50 min
Results: 51:21
General Summary:
Great weather, wearing shorts in Jan.is OK. A welcome breeze after an uphill first mile.
Things Done Right:
A well organized race and thanks to the volunteers.
Things Done Wrong:
Maybe the steak on New Years eve was the wrong thing to eat, but----
Martina Ritchie reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: ...to finish
Results: finished.
General Summary:
Just a note to say I ran the 10K. See you Sunday. Martina Ritchie
Things Done Right:
I started out slow to get my legs warmed up and then accelerated
Things Done Wrong:
--nothing
Fred Wright reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: Under one hour
Results: 59:32
General Summary:
Weather nice, especially for January, although very strong winds up on the Masa. The usual first class organization, prompt results and awards ceremony, and tons of S & R folk there to inspire the runners.
Things Done Right:
Went to bed early! Went easy on the liquid celebrations
Things Done Wrong:
Didn’t warm up enough, due to participation in the “Toddler Trot” with my twins. However, how can I do better than that?
Gahlen Crawford reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: 1:15
Results: 1:13:05
Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
General Summary:
Nice race
Things Done Right:
Ran with my daughter
Things Done Wrong:
Never ran course
Rachel Crawford reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: 1:15
Results: 1:13:04
Website: http://www.pprrun.org/
General Summary:
Nice race
Things Done Right:
Ran with my dad
Things Done Wrong:
Never ran course before
Cathy Dilts reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: finish
Results: finished
General Summary:
I planned on doing the Rescue Run 5K with a group of friends and family, but decided to run the 10K at the last minute. Part of the motivation was to finally have something to report!
Things Done Right:
I have been training. At a low level, perhaps, but better than typical for the holiday season.
Things Done Wrong:
My socks kept wrinkling up, and I think I should have worn a different pair of shoes. Also, I was not prepared for the steep hill — more training on hills!
John Mills reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: Under 1 hr
Results: 57:30
General Summary:
Great benefit race for the El Paso S&R. Scenic and challenging. Lots of prize give aways.
Things Done Right:
Train with the IC.
Things Done Wrong:
Not much.
Trish McCormick reports:
Distance: 10K
Goal: To finish, I was obligated to party the night before.
Results: 1:10:09
Website: http://www.pprrun.org/results/2006_results/2006_rescue_run_10k.htm
General Summary:
It was a beautiful morning and the view was wonderful. I was somewhat distracted by the view, and might have lollygagged a bit.
The roads and trails were perfect.
Pretty good turn out — great benefit to SAR.
Things Done Right:
Showed up and ran the 10K.
Things Done Wrong:
Not enough sleep, only a catnap before the run.
May have to nix party next year.
Tucson Marathon - Tucson, AZ - December 4, 2005
Craig Hafer reports:
Distance: 26.2 miles
Goal: 3:17
Results: 3:16:37
Website: http://www.tucsonmarathon.com/
General Summary:
Perfect marathon weather conditions. Sunny starting temperature
was about 40 degrees. Finishing temperature was about 55 degrees. No wind.
As the racers warmed up, they shed hats, gloves, shirts, windbreakers, etc.
This is a fast downhill course dropping about 2300 feet fairly uniformly
over the 26.2 miles.
Things Done Right:
I trained properly for the race and had a good prediction of my
finishing time.
Things Done Wrong:
I got just a little greedy and ran most of the race at a pace for a
3:12 time. I lost a minute/mile the last four miles.
Any Other Stuff:
My quads (and calves) were trashed at the end of the race.
Mile 25 was the toughest mile. Each time my foot hit the pavement, my leg
was shocked with pain. My recovery period was the longest for any race.
High Desert Ultra 50km - Ridgecrest, CA - December 4, 2005
Anita Bower reports:
Distance: 50km
Goal: break 5 hours
Results: 5:02:52
Website: http://othtc.com
General Summary:
This 50km is a well-organized 50km in the Mojave desert. My goal was to break 5 hours, however, a wise man once said something to the affect that if you reach all your goals, then you are setting them to low.
Things Done Right:
Went out harder than usual, and was able to keep up my pace until the last 2 miles. Didn’t spend more than a minute at any of the aid stations.
Things Done Wrong:
Ran an incredibly tough race the week before. I also got dehydrated because the water tasted funny, and I didn’t want to drink it, as it was upsetting my stomach. I ended up in the bushes for about 5 minutes, which along with being tired from last weeks adventure race, cost me my sub-5 hours goal. Oh well. Something to work towards.
Calculator =
Any Other Stuff:
Rock Canyon Half Marathon - Pueblo, CO - December 3, 2005
Connilee Walter reports:
Distance: 13.1 miles
Goal: Good day, no snow: break 1:30
Results: 1:33:07 (my watch)
Website: http://www.socorunners.org
General Summary:
Based on a recent 5k, I really thought I would be able to break 1:30 in this race. As we drove down to Pueblo in a snowstorm, I quickly realized this would not happen (but of course was optimistic that Pueblo would miraculously be sunny, and the trails would be clear! HA!). Anyhoo, despite snow and slush and nasty cramped calves, eeked out a 1:33 and change, fourth overall woman. It was an incredibly gorgeous day; with lots of fresh snow hugging the trees and prettying the landscape.
Things Done Right:
At the last minute, I was debating running pants vs. shorts. I ended up opting for running pants and I am glad I did; my legs needed the extra warmth. Paced well.
Things Done Wrong:
Can’t do anything about the weather; and I was fine with readjusting my time goal. But something I could control was mental preparation; one mistake I made was that I was not as mentally prepared for this race as I should have been.
Santa Barbara 9 Trails - Santa Barbara, CA - November 26th, 2005
Anita Bower reports:
Distance: 35 miles
Goal: 10 hours
Results: 11:50
Website: http://allwedoisrun.com
General Summary:
The SB9T was advertised to be “runnable,” however, 10,000' of climbing and descending on technical terrain made this nearly impossible for me. The race was run on 9 separate trails along coastal trails in SB.
Things Done Right:
Took it very easy, since I wanted to run another race the next weekend. Took in lots of calories and fluids. Didn’t step in the sulfur springs as I was crawling through the bamboo tunnel, or hit my head on the metal pipes over head. I also learned to rappel, as there was a large portion of the trail that was washed away.
Things Done Wrong:
Ran what downhill sections I could. My quads were so sore I couldn’t run for three days.
Calculator =
Any Other Stuff:
Not a good first time ultra.